Missouri Law Increases Penalties for Drivers Who Illegally Pass School Buses

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - A new Missouri law is increasing the penalties and fines for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus when children are getting on or off.

The law took effect August 28th after Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1421 into law in July. The new law does not change Missouri's existing traffic rules regarding when drivers must stop for school buses. Instead, it significantly increases the consequences for violations.

Sergeant Dallas Thompson with the Missouri State Highway Patrol says drivers need to remain alert whenever they encounter a stopped school bus.

Under the new law, drivers who fail to stop for a school bus will automatically receive five points on their driver's license. Under Missouri's previous law, a school bus violation did not automatically result in points being added to a driver's license.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, a driver who accumulates eight or more points within an 18-month period can have their driver's license suspended.

The law also increases monetary penalties based on a driver's violation history. The first offense is a $500 to $1,000 fine and possible driver's license suspension. The second offense, within five years, is a $1,000 to $2,000 fine and a 90-day driver's license suspension. The third and subsequent offenses within five years result in a $1,500 to $3,000 fine and a 180-day driver's license suspension.

According to the bill's summary, courts will not be allowed to suspend the fines imposed under the new law.

The consequences become even more serious if a driver's failure to stop results in a child being struck or injured. If a child suffers physical injury, the violation is classified as a Class E felony, which can carry a prison sentence of up to four years. If the child suffers serious physical injury, the violation becomes a Class D felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Both Class D and Class E felony convictions can also include a fine of up to $10,000.

The law also increases penalties when a child is killed as a result of a driver's failure to stop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to pay close attention around school buses, particularly as children return to school and buses make frequent stops. Drivers should follow Missouri's existing school bus traffic laws and never attempt to pass a stopped bus when required to stop.