Eden Prairie schools are back in session next week! As a refresher, the EPPD would like to remind drivers about the importance of stopping for school buses when stop arms are extended.

The law requires that drivers in both directions stop at least 20 feet away when they see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. The fine for failing to stop is $500.

It is important to note that school bus drivers can report these violations directly to the Police Department. The registered owner of the violator vehicle can receive a ticket in the mail — even if they were not driving the vehicle at the time of the offense.

The only time it is okay to pass a bus with flashing lights is if you’re going the opposite direction on a divided roadway (a roadway with an unpaved space or raised median/physical barrier — see diagram).

To date in 2023 there have been 54 reported stop arm violations in Eden Prairie — 22 more than the TOTAL number of stop arm violations in 2022. To help prevent this number from increasing, the EPPD will conduct extra proactive stop arm patrols throughout the City in September.

Please help keep our students safe by stopping for the stop arm.