When school is back in session, school buses return on our roads. Here are the rules to follow to protect everyone’s safety, and especially the safety of our children.
Slow down
When a school bus driver turns on their yellow lights, it means they are planning to stop soon. School children will get on or off the bus. Be cautious: slow down.
In fact, around primary and secondary schools, always drive slowly. Look for the road signs that specify the speed limit to respect. From September to June, it is 50 km/h or less from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Often, it is 30 km/h.
If you are driving faster than the allowable speed limit during the school year, the fine you will have to pay will be doubled!
Stop
If you are close to a school bus, be prepared to brake. When the flashing red lights turn on or the stop signal is deployed, come to a complete stop. Make sure you are at least 5 meters away from the bus, whether you are in a car or on a bike, behind or facing the bus. When the lights stop and the stop signal is retracted, you can start moving again, while still remaining vigilant.
Please note that these rules do not apply to drivers on the other side of a median strip.
Not complying with these instructions can be costly. Among other things, you will lose 9 demerit points and will have to pay a fine.
Watch the crossing guard
The crossing guard’s role is to help children cross the road safely. You must always obey them, regardless of the road signs around you. Above all, if they raise their stop sign in the air, stop until they lower it. There are fines for people who ignore the directives of a crossing guard.
Pedestrians and cyclists: this means you too.
Problems?
The Protecteur du citoyen handles complaints related to Québec government departments or agencies. If you are dissatisfied with the services of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), you can contact us. Our services are free of charge.
Please note that the Protecteur du citoyen cannot request the cancellation of a traffic offence. Nor can it handle complaints related to a police officer. See our Frequently asked questions to learn more about our powers of intervention.
