Kentucky drivers have a new school bus safety rule to keep in mind as they travel through school zones and communities across the Commonwealth. A change to Kentucky law now requires drivers traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus on many roads, where they were previously permitted to continue driving.
The change became effective July 15, 2026, as part of House Bill 7, a law focused on improving school bus safety in Kentucky.
For drivers, understanding when you must stop and when an exception applies can help prevent a dangerous situation and potentially a costly traffic fine.
What Changed Under Kentucky’s New School Bus Law?
Under the updated law, drivers approaching a stopped school or church bus from either direction must stop when the bus is receiving or discharging passengers, its stop arm is extended, and its warning lights are activated.
The important change involves roads with four lanes or more.
Previously, Kentucky law generally allowed vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from a stopped school bus to continue on a highway with four or more lanes. House Bill 7 changed that rule. Drivers traveling in the opposite direction must now stop unless the roadway is divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median.
What About Two-Lane Roads?
The basic rule for two-lane roads remains the same: traffic approaching a stopped school bus from either direction must stop when the bus is displaying its stop arm and flashing warning lights.
The Kentucky Department of Education notes that drivers in both directions must stop on two-lane roads when a bus is stopped to pick up or drop off students.
What Happens If You Pass a Stopped School Bus?
Failing to stop for a school or church bus can result in a traffic violation and significant consequences.
House Bill 7 also increased the maximum fines for failing to stop for a school or church bus. The new law also authorizes school districts to use stop-arm camera monitoring systems under certain conditions. Those systems can be used to document violations and support enforcement of civil penalties.
Why Understanding Kentucky’s Laws Matter
Kentucky’s school bus laws are designed to protect children, but also create important responsibilities for drivers. While a school bus violation may begin as a traffic matter, some driving-related incidents can become more significant depending on the circumstances, including situations involving an accident, injury, or other alleged criminal conduct.
If you are facing a more serious legal matter in Kentucky, having an attorney who understands the applicable laws and the circumstances surrounding your case can be important. Cornett Law provides criminal defense representation for clients facing a range of criminal charges in Kentucky. Contact Cornett Law to learn more about your legal options and how we may be able to help with your situation.