The Houlton Police Department, in conjunction with the Houlton Pioneer Times, is bringing back the “HPD Corner” on a semi-regular basis. The article will feature tips and updates on laws residents should be aware of.
Overtaking and Passing School Bus – T29A-2308: When receiving or discharging passengers, a school bus operator shall activate flashing lights at least 100 feet before a stop is made to receive or discharge passengers. These lights must be continually displayed until after the bus has received or discharged passengers.
The operator of a vehicle on a way, in a parking area or on school property, on meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction when the school bus has stopped with its red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers, shall stop the vehicle before reaching the school bus. The operator may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus operator to proceed.
Penalty: This is a class (E) crime to which you must appear before a judge. Pursuant to T29A-2308-5, the register owner of a vehicle who illegally passing a school bus, may face a liability of a $250 fine for the first offense.