Road Rules for School Buses, School Zones and Crossing Guards

It's back-to-school time! Fairfax County Public Schools begin on Monday, Aug. 19, while private schools also begin around the same time.

With more than a million residents, our roads are normally busy, but school buses add an extra layer of vehicles, while school zones and crossing guards are looking out for the safety of our children. There are 200+ public schools and centers in Fairfax County. While it may be tempting if you’re in a hurry, it is never OK to pass a school bus, speed through a school zone or ignore a crossing guard’s direction.

Driving Rules Near School Buses

Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses daily.

And if you drive, there’s no doubt you will encounter FCPS and private school buses. The rules are pretty simple if you encounter a school bus with flashing red lights:

• Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median. 

Please remember, it is considered reckless driving - a criminal offense - if you pass a stopped school bus unloading children. It is not worth getting to your destination a few seconds faster when you are risking the safety and lives of others.

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School Zones, Speed Cameras and Bus Cameras

Pay attention to school zones, especially where they start and end. Those slower school zone speed limits are there for a reason. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. It’s important to add more time into your commuting schedule so you’re not in a rush and perhaps decide to pass a school bus or speed through a school zone.

Last year, nine speed cameras were installed in several school zones to improve pedestrian and road safety. Studies show that speed camera enforcement reduces traffic related injuries and accidents and ultimately save lives.

Additional speed cameras will be installed in the coming months, including the first 10 at various FCPS locations. 

The cameras are only active when the school zone is in effect. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be fined based on an escalating fine structure that maxes out at $100.

In addition to the speed cameras in school zones, cameras will also be added to 50 Fairfax County Public Schools school bus arms, with enforcement for that program starting soon.

Crossing Guards

Heeding the whistles and waves of our dedicated crossing guards is yet another way you can ensure the safety of students. Pay attention in the 160+ crossing guard zone areas as you drive.