These are the latest rules about when you can pass a stopped school bus

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — There are new rules for drivers when it comes to when and where to stop for school buses.

Originally, drivers had to stop for a school bus in an oncoming lane, but as of July 1, that law changed.

Now, according to Georgia state law, drivers who travel on a three or five-lane road divided by a center or turning lane do not have to stop for an oncoming school bus.

Only traffic coming behind the bus would have to stop.

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The change is causing some confusion in Gwinnett County.

We spoke with school officials who say they are working to explain the new law to drivers.

“When they see that bus stopped they think, ‘Am I supposed to stop or not?’, so this makes it a little more difficult,” Sloan Roach with Gwinnett County Public Schools said.

Still, district officials say they are still writing tickets for any driver who passes a stopped school bus in the same lane.

“We still have cameras on about 300 buses in the district and they still capture people who are breaking the law when it comes to a stopped school bus,” Roach said.

The district is also handing out information to help remind and better educate drivers.

“You still might have students who opt to cross the road and we want to just avoid a tragedy,” Roach said.

If you are on a two-lane road, drivers in both directions are supposed to stop for a stopped school bus.

Cox Media Group