Kingston Police

During the school year Kingston Police receive numerous complaints of motor vehicles passing stopped school buses with lights flashing. Drivers are reminded to stay alert and be prepared to stop when approaching a school bus. If the upper red lights are flashing, drivers in both directions must stop. If there is a median dividing the roadway, drivers on the opposite side of the roadway are not required to stop.

Drivers who pass a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing can be charged and face fines from $400 to $2000 and six demerit points. Subsequent offences can result in fines from $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and up to six months in jail. It’s important to note that vehicle owners can be charged if their vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, even if they weren't driving.

See the MTO website for more information and helpful tips and advice.