What is the Legal Following Distance Behind a School Bus?
When you drive near a school bus, you’re not just sharing the road—you’re sharing responsibility for the safety of children. School buses make frequent stops, often in unpredictable places, and Texas law (like many states) sets clear expectations for how drivers should act around them. One of the most common questions drivers ask is: What is the legal following distance behind a school bus?
The answer depends on traffic laws, road conditions, and, most importantly, safety. Let’s break it down.
Why Following Distance Around a School Bus Matters
School buses carry some of the most vulnerable passengers—children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, but most school bus-related fatalities happen outside the bus, during the process of loading or unloading students.
That’s why maintaining a safe following distance is crucial. It allows you time to react if the bus suddenly stops, extends its stop arm, or if a child unexpectedly crosses the street.
General Legal Rule: The 20-Foot Safety Zone
Most states, including Texas, require drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus that has flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. This applies whether you are behind the bus or approaching it from the opposite direction (unless a median or barrier separates traffic).
But what about when the bus is moving, and you’re following it down the road? That’s where safe following distance comes into play.
Legal Following Distance vs. Safe Following Distance
There is no single “magic number” written into Texas law that says, “You must follow X feet behind a moving school bus.” Instead, Texas law (and general safe driving principles) requires you to:
Maintain a safe distance that allows you to stop if the bus brakes suddenly.
Anticipate frequent stops—school buses are not like regular vehicles; they stop often and sometimes unexpectedly.
Traffic safety experts recommend the three-second rule as a minimum following distance for most vehicles. However, when following a school bus, many safety officials recommend increasing that gap to four or five seconds.
That extra time gives you more space to react to sudden stops or children crossing the street.
Factors That Affect Safe Following Distance Behind a School Bus
1. Speed
At higher speeds, your stopping distance increases dramatically. Following too closely on a highway or busy road leaves little room for error.
2. Weather
Rain, fog, or ice lengthen braking times. In bad weather, you should double your normal following distance.
3. Traffic Conditions
In congested neighborhoods, near schools, or in residential areas, buses make more stops. Leave extra space to prepare for sudden halts.
4. Road Conditions
Gravel, potholes, and steep inclines all affect how quickly you can stop.
5. Visibility
If you can’t see children waiting at a stop, you should assume they might step out unexpectedly and drive cautiously.
Texas Laws on Following and Stopping for School Buses
Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 makes it illegal to pass a school bus that has flashing red lights and a stop sign extended. The penalties are steep:
First offense: $500 to $1,250 fine.
Subsequent offenses: Up to $2,000 fine and possible license suspension.
Serious offenses: Passing a school bus illegally that results in injury can lead to criminal charges.
While the statute doesn’t specify an exact following distance in feet, it does impose a clear duty: drivers must follow at a distance that allows them to stop when the bus stops.
Common Misconceptions About Following School Buses
“If the bus is moving, I can follow closely.”
Not true. Buses stop frequently, and tailgating is dangerous.“I only have to stop if I’m directly behind the bus.”
Incorrect. On most roads without a divider, all lanes in both directions must stop.“The stop-arm rule doesn’t apply if the bus is on the other side of the road.”
Wrong—unless the lanes are divided by a physical median, you must stop.“There’s a set legal distance, like 50 or 100 feet.”
There is no specific number written into Texas law for following distance, only a requirement to maintain a safe and prudent distance.
What Happens If You Follow Too Closely?
Following too closely (tailgating) behind a school bus can result in:
Rear-end collisions with the bus.
Injury to children if your vehicle pushes forward into the loading zone.
Traffic citations for reckless or unsafe driving.
Civil liability if a child or passenger is injured in an accident.
Even if you think you’re saving time by staying close, the risks far outweigh the few seconds gained.
Safe Driving Practices Around School Buses
To stay compliant with the law and keep children safe:
Stay alert for flashing yellow lights (they mean the bus is about to stop).
Stop at least 20 feet away from a bus with red lights flashing.
Use the five-second rule for following distance when driving behind a moving school bus.
Be patient. A few extra minutes on the road are worth protecting a child’s life.
Penalties for Violating School Bus Laws in Texas
Texas takes violations involving school buses seriously. In addition to heavy fines, you may face:
Higher insurance premiums.
Points on your driving record.
License suspension.
Criminal charges if someone is hurt.
What If You’re Involved in an Accident with a School Bus?
If you collide with a school bus, the legal and financial consequences can be severe. Multiple parties may be involved, including the school district, the bus manufacturer, or other drivers.
If injuries occur, especially to children, the investigation and claims process becomes even more complex. That’s why it’s critical to seek legal guidance if you or a loved one is involved in a school bus-related crash.
Conclusion
The law doesn’t set a fixed “legal following distance” behind a school bus in Texas. Instead, it requires drivers to act responsibly and maintain a safe distance at all times. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least four to five seconds of space when following a bus, and to always stop at least 20 feet away when its red lights are flashing.
Being cautious protects children, keeps you compliant with Texas law, and helps prevent life-changing accidents.
FAQ: Legal Following Distance Behind a School Bus
1. Is there a specific legal distance I must stay behind a moving school bus in Texas?
No. Texas law does not specify an exact number of feet. Instead, it requires maintaining a safe distance that allows you to stop safely if the bus does.
2. How far must I stop behind a school bus with flashing red lights?
At least 20 feet away, whether you’re behind the bus or approaching from the opposite direction (unless separated by a median).
3. What is the penalty for following too closely or passing a school bus illegally in Texas?
Fines range from $500 to $2,000, and repeat offenses may lead to license suspension. Accidents causing injury can result in criminal charges.
4. Does the law change if I’m on a divided highway?
Yes. If a physical median or barrier divides the lanes, only traffic behind the bus must stop. On undivided roads, all traffic in both directions must stop.
5. Can I pass a moving school bus if its lights aren’t flashing?
Yes, but you must do so cautiously. Never pass when the bus is slowing down or preparing to stop.
6. Is the “three-second rule” enough when following a school bus?
Experts recommend four to five seconds to allow for extra reaction time due to frequent stops.
