New Law Effective Immediately for Georgia Drivers
On Friday, February 15th, Gov. Brian Kemp signed his first piece of legislation into law. Senate Bill (SB) 25 specifies when traffic should stop for school buses that are loading or unloading passengers. 


SB 25 reverses last year’s House Bill (HB) 978, which allowed oncoming traffic to continue on a four-lane divided highway if there was a painted turn lane dividing the road. With the new law, all traffic approaching a stopped school bus on a divided highway - whether from behind or from the opposite direction - must stop, unless the highway is separated by a barrier or a grass median.


The new law goes into effect immediately.


Penalties for failure to obey the law can include a court appearance, a fine up to $1,000 and six points on a driving record. For drivers under the age of 21 caught in a 'stop arm violation', the penalty includes a license suspension. 


“This is a positive change that will help keep our students safe as they are transported to and from school. I thank Gov. Kemp and the lawmakers for their swift action,” said Ware County Schools Director of Transportation Joe Meadows.