Stop-Arm Violations Prompt Urgent Warning From Authorities In Minnesota

It seems every year, there are reports of tragic incidents across the country involving children seriously injured or killed because someone failed to stop when a school bus was picking up or dropping off a child.

It's unbelievable to me that there are drivers out there who still fail to stop when a school bus is stopped, with its stop arm out, indicating that kids are getting on or off the bus. Yet, here we are again with a new school year just beginning in Minnesota and authorities reporting an alarming number of motorists putting children in harm's way.

Stopping for school buses isn't just important; it's the law. In the state of Minnesota, the law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended.

Drivers who violate the law face a $500 fine. Drivers can face criminal charges for passing a school bus on the right, passing when a child is outside the bus, or injuring or killing a child.

In Duluth, Minnesota, authorities recently reported an increase in stop-arm violations occurring in the community. Furthermore, they say that in 2024, there were 142 stop-arm violations, the highest number of violations in the last three years.

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Sadly, the 2025 school year is off to a dangerous start, prompting the Duluth Police Department to issue a warning.

Duluth Police Department Issues Reminder After Dangerous Start To School Year

Recently, the Duluth Police Department shared that so far in 2025, there have already been 40 stop-arm violations, one of which occurred on the first day of school. Therefore, the department encourages the community to work together to lower these violations and keep our children safe.

"The safety of students is all our responsibility, and one stop-arm violation is too many,” said Sergeant Mike Jambor. He goes on to remind motorists to be aware of their surroundings and understand school bus lights.

"We are fortunate that all school buses serving Duluth students are equipped with high-quality camera systems for the sole purpose of holding violators accountable. If you violate these laws, expect a citation,” Jambor adds.

The Duluth Police Department says it has been proactively patrolling around the schools to ensure the safety of students, but you can also be aware of your surroundings when traveling throughout the community.

Important Tips To Help Keep Kids Safe

The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety has also provided the following tips for both motorists and students:

Motorists

• Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus that is displaying red flashing lights or a stop arm when approaching from the rear and from the opposite direction on undivided roads.
• Motorists should slow down, pay attention, and anticipate school children and buses, especially in neighborhoods and school zones.
• The best way to be aware of your surroundings at all times is to put the distractions away.

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Students

• When getting off a bus, look to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder.
• Wait for the bus driver to signal that it’s safe to cross.
• When crossing the street to get on the bus or to go home, make eye contact with motorists before proceeding.