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Introduction

A safe bus stop ensures students can enter and exit a school bus and cross the roadway safely. Safety is not only about the physical location but also the conditions students encounter while waiting for transport.

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Georgia Laws Regarding Bus Stops

• GA Law 40-6-164: A bus may not proceed after stopping until all crossing children have safely crossed the roadway.

• GA Law 40-6-163: Vehicles must stop when a bus stop arm is extended during student loading/unloading (with exceptions on divided highways). Bus drivers are required to report violations to local law enforcement.

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Bus Stop Requirements

APS bus stops must meet the following:

1. 40 feet away from intersections or traffic control signals.

2. No student should cross multiple traffic lanes.

3. Bus stops must be visible from 300 feet in all directions.

4. Students must stand at least 12 feet from the bus's path.

5. Stops spaced no closer than ¼ mile apart.

6. No stops in:

   • Cul-de-sacs

   • Railroad crossings

   • High-volume roads or highways

   • Intersections/corners

   • Hazard/no transport zones

   • Private roads/property

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Guidelines for Assigning Safe Bus Stops

1. Walk Zones

   • Elementary: no bus if within 1-mile navigation

   • Middle/High School: no bus if within 1½-mile navigation

2. Walking Distance

   • Stops may be up to ½ mile apart.

   • Students may walk up to ¼ mile to reach their assigned stop.

   • Supervision Required: Students 8 and under must be met by an adult or designee; otherwise, they will be returned to school.

   • DFACS Guidelines:

     • Ages 8 & under: never left alone.

     • Ages 9–12: short periods alone, based on maturity.

     • Age 13+: can supervise others (except in foster care or with medical needs).

3. Adult Identification

   • Drivers must see and identify adult/designee at the stop.

   • Adults must exit their vehicles and stand at the stop at least 5 minutes before arrival.

4. Stop Location Restrictions

   • No blind spots: avoid curves and hills (visibility must be 300 feet).

   • No stops near operational railroad crossings.

   • Prefer sidewalks or safe roadside spacing.

   • Stops must not require reverse movement by the bus.

5. Stop Timing & Exceptions

   • Buses wait no longer than 2 minutes at any stop.

   • No unscheduled stops or exceptions unless approved via Dispatch.

   • School loading zones are official stops.

   • Students must never be required to cross multi-lane roads or railroads.

6. Turnaround Protocol

   • Pickup: board students first, then turn around.

   • Drop-off: turn around first, then release students.

7. Left-Side Stops

   • Students must cross at least 3 steps ahead of the bus.

   • Wait for the stop arm and signals before crossing.

   • Always follow the driver’s directions and watch for unauthorized vehicles.

8. High-Crime Areas

   • Stops will not be placed where high crime is documented.

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Authorized Bus Passengers

Only the following are permitted on APS buses:

• APS employees

• Enrolled APS students

• Approved individuals by the Director of Transportation

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High Priority Safety Rules for Students

At the Bus Stop

• Arrive 5 minutes early.

• Stand 12 feet from the road.

• Keep electronics packed away.

• Do not chase the bus or go to another stop.

The School Bus Danger Zone

• A 12-foot area around the bus where visibility is limited.

• Stay clear of:

  • Front and rear tires

  • Front bumper and door areas

If you drop an item:

• Move out of the Danger Zone

• Wave to get the driver’s attention before retrieving anything