Driving Tests

Do You Have to Stop for a School Bus in B.C.? Rules, Fine, Points

informational·how to guide·Published October 3, 2026

When must I stop for a school bus in B.C.?

In British Columbia, stop before reaching a school bus stopped on a highway showing flashing red lights or another sign or signal that children are boarding or leaving (Motor Vehicle Act s. 149). ICBC says to stop from the front or rear, in every lane, until the bus moves or its driver signals it is safe. The ticket is CAD 343 if paid within 30 days, plus 3 penalty points.

Where the school bus rules come from

This guide uses section 149 of the Motor Vehicle Act and its definition of "highway", Divisions 11 (school buses) and 28 (point system) of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, and Schedule 3 of the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation, all current to October 2026 (as of 2026). It also uses the "Sharing the road" chapter of ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart guide and ICBC's driver penalty points page. Where the guide and the law word a rule differently, this guide follows the law. Confirm the rules with ICBC (icbc.com).

The three conditions that trigger the stop rule in section 149

The bus is designated as a school bus.
The bus is stopped on a highway. In the Act, a highway includes every road, street or lane that the public uses for vehicles and private places where the public may park, but not industrial roads such as forest service roads.
A sign or signal on or near the bus shows that it is receiving or discharging school children.

What a stopped school bus shows: flashing red lights and a stop sign

When a school bus stops to let children off, the red lights at the top of the bus flash alternately. Some buses also swing out a stop sign. The rule for drivers is simple: stop whenever you see flashing red lights on a school bus. The bus driver may already have turned on alternating flashing amber lights while the bus prepares to stop. The free practice question on amber school bus lights tests this.

Do drivers coming from the other direction have to stop for a school bus?

Yes. The law covers a driver "meeting or overtaking" a school bus. ICBC says you must stop in either direction, whether you come to the bus from the front or from the rear, and that vehicles in all lanes must stop.

How to stop for a school bus and when you can go again

1
Stop before reaching the bus
Stop the vehicle before you reach the bus, in any lane.
2
Stay stopped while the lights flash
Stay stopped while the lights flash. A school bus driver who uses the flashing lamps must keep them on for the whole loading or unloading.
3
Go when the bus moves on or its driver signals
The law says not to proceed until the bus resumes motion or its driver signals that it is safe. The signal is the lights turning off and the stop sign pulling in. The free practice question on stopped school buses with flashing red lights tests this rule.

What is the fine for failing to stop for a school bus in B.C.?

Schedule 3 of the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation lists section 149 as "Fail to stop for school bus". The reduced fine applies if you pay on or before the 30th day after the ticket is served or mailed. The table gives the amounts as of 2026. The victim surcharge is added to the fine.

School bus ticket amounts in B.C. (CAD)

School bus ticket amounts in B.C. (CAD)
What you pay	On or before day 30	After day 30
Fine	CAD 295	CAD 320
Victim surcharge levy	CAD 48	CAD 48
Ticketed amount	CAD 343	CAD 368

How many penalty points is a school bus ticket in B.C.?

A conviction for failing to stop for a school bus adds 3 driver penalty points to your driving record, under Division 28 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations. You pay a Driver Penalty Point premium when you collect more than three points in a 12-month assessment period. With 3 points from this ticket, one more point in the same period is enough for a premium bill.

Key takeaways

Stop before reaching a school bus that is stopped on a highway and shows a sign or signal that children are getting on or off, such as flashing red lights.
Stop in either direction and in all lanes, and stay stopped until the bus moves or its driver signals that it is safe.
Failing to stop is a CAD 343 ticket if you pay within 30 days, and CAD 368 after that. It also adds 3 driver penalty points.
Next step: practise the school bus and road-sharing questions on the free British Columbia Class 7 practice test.

B.C. school bus rules: common questions

Does a B.C. school bus driver have to turn on the flashing lights?

No. The driver of a yellow and black school bus may, but does not have to, use the alternately flashing lamps or the stop arm when the bus is stopping or stopped to load or unload passengers. No one may turn them on unless the bus is stopped or stopping to load or unload students.

Do I pay a driver penalty point premium if I do not own a car?

Yes. The Driver Penalty Point premium is billed separately from Autoplan insurance, even if you do not own or insure a vehicle. The bill depends on your points, not on your car.

Can I dispute the driver penalty points from a school bus ticket?

Only by disputing the ticket. ICBC says that by paying a traffic ticket, you accept guilt and the points that go with the ticket. If you pay the reduced CAD 343, you also accept the 3 points.

How long does a school bus ticket stay on my B.C. driving record?

Tickets and points stay on your driving record for five years. The points stay that long, but you pay the Driver Penalty Point premium for them only once, not each year.