Washington drivers face a $430.00 traffic ticket if they illegally pass a school bus that has it's red lights flashing on and stop-arm out. 

So when is it OK, or not OK, to pass a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights on and stop-arm out? 

1. If you are on a two lane road, cars coming from both directs must stop. 
2. If you're on a road with three or more lanes, you need to stop if you're traveling in the same direct as the bus. If you are traveling in the opposite direction, you do not need to stop. 
3. If you are on a road with a turn lane in the middle, cars going in the same direction must stop. Cars going the opposite direction do not need to stop. 
4. If there is a median or an island between the opposing directions, traffic going in the same direction as the bus must stop. Cars going in the opposite direction do not need to stop. 

You are not allowed to resume driving until the bus' red lights stop flashing and it's stop-arm is retracted. 

Beware, some school buses now have cameras to catch you in the act of illegal passing. 

Call Lynnwood traffic ticket lawyer Attorney Paul Hanson for more information. He has over 35 years experience in defending traffic tickets. Call (425) 778-7339.