Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin School Bus Association team up to promote school bus safety

​Operation Safe Stop Week, Sept. 22-26​

Release date: September 18, 2025

As schools across the state settle into another academic year, the Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin School Bus Association (WSBA) are working together to keep students safe and encourage safe driving near buses. Operation Safe Stop Week is an annual education and enforcement effort focused on informing motorists about the dangers of passing a stopped school bus. The effort takes place in communities throughout Wisconsin on Sept. 22-26.

“We’re grateful for the longstanding partnership with the Wisconsin School Bus Association and drivers of school buses who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of students and other motorists on the road,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “It’s important that every driver understands the rules of the road and is alert behind the wheel, especially near school buses."

In 2024, more than 1,200 citations were given to motorists in Wisconsin who failed to stop for a school bus. Wisconsin law requires drivers in both directions to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red warning lights. The only exception is if you are traveling on the other side of a divided road that is separated by a median or other physical barrier. Most school buses also have amber lights. When the bus is about to stop, the flashing amber lights come on. That signals drivers to slow down because red flashing lights will soon be activated. 

Leading up to Operation Safe Stop Week, the WSBA works with its members to help identify bus stops that commonly experience illegal passing. Wisconsin State Patrol officers focus their efforts on these identified stops and other areas of concern. This joint initiative also gives officers an opportunity to meet with drivers of school buses and ensure their lights and other safety features are working properly.

"This week-long initiative is dedicated to protecting our children and ensuring their safety," WSBA Executive Director Cherie Hime said. "WSBA members are grateful for the partnership with the Wisconsin State Patrol on this education event over the past 8 years. Public awareness and compliance are critical to ensuring safe pupil transportation." 

Passing a school bus illegally is extremely dangerous and can be costly. In March 2024, Wisconsin Act 154 significantly increased the penalties for failing to stop for a school bus displaying flashing lights. A citation for failure to stop for a school bus now costs $676.50 and four demerit points. 

To learn more from WisDOT about school bus safety, visit wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/equipment/sch-bus/dont-pass.aspx. To learn more about the WSBA, visit wi-sba.org. 

 

 

​