Penalties for Running a School Bus Stop Sign Under Florida Statute 316.172, you must come to a full stop when approaching a school bus with stop signals displayed. Failure to do so results in a traffic ticket with serious penalties. A traffic ticket for passing a stopped school bus carries with it a fine of up to $400.

In 2026, the penalties for failing to stop for a school bus in Florida remain among the strictest in the United States to prioritize child safety. If you fail to stop for a school bus that has its "stop" arm extended and red lights flashing, the minimum fine is $200 for a first offense. If you pass a school bus on the side where children enter or exit, the minimum fine jumps to $400. Beyond the financial penalty, a conviction adds four points to your driver's license, which can lead to a significant spike in your insurance premiums. Furthermore, for a second offense within five years, your driver's license will be suspended for a period of six months to one year. Florida law also allows for the use of "stop-arm cameras," which automatically record and ticket violators. It is important to remember that on a multi-lane road, only those traveling in the opposite direction of the bus are exempt from stopping if there is a raised median or physical barrier of at least five feet separating the lanes.