Passing a stopped school bus in Livingston could land drivers in jail, cost them at least $100 and add five points to their license, Livingston Police Capt. Russell Mueller warned Saturday, Aug. 15, in an advisory reported by the West Essex Tribune.

"Even if you don't see any students, never pass a stopped school bus or ignore the flashing red lights," Mueller said. "It's against the law and doing so could result in tragedy."

Livingston Public Schools open for the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, Aug. 31. The department noted that the return to school brings not only buses but more pedestrians, bicyclists and new teen drivers onto local roads.

What the law requires

Under New Jersey statute, drivers approaching or overtaking a stopped school bus must stop at least 25 feet away and remain stationary until all children have boarded or exited and reached the side of the road, and until the bus's red lights stop flashing.

The rule is simple. On two-lane roads and multi-lane highways where lanes are separated only by painted lines, the 25-foot stop requirement applies in both directions. On divided highways with a raised median or safety island, drivers on the opposite side must slow to 10 mph.

School buses display yellow or amber flashing lights as a warning before stopping, then switch to red when fully stopped. Once those red lights activate, passing is illegal.

Penalties

A first-time conviction carries a fine of no less than $100, up to 15 days in jail or 15 days of community service, and five points on the driver's license, according to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

The advisory did not reference a specific enforcement campaign or checkpoint schedule. Residents who witness school bus violations can report them to the Livingston Police Department.