Police: Stop for School Buses or Get Fined

Police will patrol bus routes over the next few weeks to ensure that drivers do not pass that are stopped to pick up or drop off students, announced.

"Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street if there is no physical divider or barrier. Drivers may not pass the bus until all lights have ceased flashing," according to a press release.

The release listed the following penalties for those who disobey the law:

• Drivers passing school buses while the lights are flashing will be fined $570 and issued a 3-point penalty on their record.
• Drivers who stop but then proceed while the lights are flashing will be fined $570 and a 2-point penalty will be charged.
• If an accident occurs after the driver has stopped then proceeds to pass the bus, he or she will be fined $610 and will be charged 3 points.

Drivers could be ticketed and taken into custody if they do not have a valid driver's license, according to the release.

At least one accident involving a school bus has been reported in the Parkville-Overlea area since December 2010. 

Have you seen drivers pass stopped school buses around Parkville or Overlea? Share your advice and safety tips in the comments.