Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Illinois School Bus Law: When You Must Stop
The Illinois State Police says children are at greatest risk when they are getting on or off the school bus, and most children injured outside the bus are struck by motorists who fail to stop for the flashing red lights and extended stop arm. Here is when Illinois drivers must stop for a school bus, how far back to stop, when you may go, and the penalties, for drivers around Peoria.
The short answer
If a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm out, stop at least 20 feet away. On a two-lane road and on any one-way road, all lanes stop. On a four-lane road with at least two lanes going the other way, only traffic going the same direction as the bus stops. Go only when the bus moves, the driver waves you on, or the lights and stop arm are off.
When you must stop for a school bus in Illinois
The Illinois State Police School Bus Safety brochure describes three cases for a bus stopped to pick up or drop off pupils:
| Road | Who must stop |
|---|---|
| Two-lane roadway | Vehicles in all lanes of traffic, in both directions |
| Four-lane roadway with at least two lanes going the opposite direction | Only the lanes traveling in the same direction as the school bus |
| One-way roadway | All lanes of traffic, regardless of the number of lanes |
From the Illinois State Police, School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026. The brochure cites the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/11-1414, 5/11-1415, 5/12-803, 5/12-805 and 5/12-807.2. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
How far back to stop, and when you may go
Vehicles should stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus to allow pupils to cross the roadway safely, the ISP says. The stopping laws apply to all drivers, including those on school property, who meet or overtake a school bus that is showing all of its warning signals that pupils are getting on or off and may be crossing the road. If the red lights are flashing, stop.
You may proceed after stopping if one of these happens: the bus resumes motion, the bus driver signals you to proceed, or the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is no longer extended. The ISP adds that pupils shall not be required to cross four or more lanes of traffic to reach their residence.
From the Illinois State Police, School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026.
Why the area around the bus is so dangerous
From the Illinois State Police School Bus Safety brochure:
Most injuries happen outside the bus
The majority of children injured or killed in pupil transportation are injured outside the bus, most of them struck by motorists who fail to stop for the flashing red lights and extended stop arm. The ISP calls this area the danger zone, shown as 10 feet around the bus.
Young children are most at risk
Most of the children killed in bus-related crashes are pedestrians five to seven years old who are getting on or off the bus.
Children do not act like adults
Elementary school children may start across the street without warning, do not understand the danger of moving vehicles, cannot judge vehicle speed or distance, and may be blocked from view by the bus.
They expect you to stop
Most importantly, children expect vehicles to stop for them at the school bus stop. Take special care in neighborhoods, near schools and at bus stops.
From the Illinois State Police, School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026.
School buses at railroad crossings
State law requires school buses to stop at all railroad crossings, the ISP says. The bus shows its hazard warning lights as it stops briefly to check whether it is safe to cross.
If you are approaching the bus from the front, you may proceed past with caution. If you are approaching from the rear, the law prohibits driving over the center line to pass if the bus is within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. Always leave plenty of room for the bus to maneuver or back up in an emergency.
From the Illinois State Police, School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026.
Penalties for illegally passing a school bus
The ISP lists these penalties:
| Offense | Mandatory minimum fine | License suspension |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | $300 | 3 months |
| Second or later conviction within five years | $1,000 | One year |
From the Illinois State Police, School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026. A motorist cited for illegally passing a school bus is not eligible for court supervision.
Routine checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Book it whenever your vehicle is due for maintenance.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Illinois school bus law FAQ
Do you have to stop for a school bus on a four-lane road in Illinois?
On a four-lane road with at least two lanes going the other way, only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. The Illinois State Police says that when a school bus is on a four-lane roadway with at least two lanes of traffic going the opposite way, only the lanes traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
Do both directions stop for a school bus on a two-lane road?
Yes. The ISP says that when a school bus on a two-lane roadway is stopped to pick up or drop off pupils, vehicles in all lanes of traffic must stop, at least 20 feet before reaching the bus.
How far back should I stop for a school bus in Illinois?
The ISP says vehicles should stop at least 20 feet before reaching the school bus to allow pupils to cross the roadway safely.
When can I go again after stopping for a school bus?
The ISP says you may proceed after stopping if the bus resumes motion, the bus driver signals you to proceed, or the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is no longer extended.
What is the fine for passing a stopped school bus in Illinois?
The ISP lists a mandatory minimum fine of $300 and a 3-month license suspension for a first offense, and a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and a one-year suspension for a second or later conviction within five years. A motorist cited for illegally passing a school bus is not eligible for court supervision.
Do school buses stop at railroad crossings?
Yes. The ISP says state law requires school buses to stop at all railroad crossings, with hazard warning lights on. Approaching from the front, you may proceed past with caution. From the rear, the law prohibits crossing the center line to pass if the bus is within 100 feet of the crossing.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
School bus rules and penalties are from the Illinois State Police School Bus Safety brochure, read October 28, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- School Bus Safety brochure (stopping rules, railroad crossings, passing penalties), Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026