Missouri State Representative Mike Jones, of Platte County, has introduced legislation to increase penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

 The proposed bill would raise fines to $500 for first-time offenders, allow for license suspension, and add points to driving records. The legislation aims to address the growing problem of drivers passing stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing lights, with the hope of deterring such dangerous behavior. 

The director of transportation for Platte County R-3 Schools supports the increased penalties as a necessary deterrent, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in preventing such violations. The bill is expected to gain traction as the legislative session progresses.

The legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763047052915.png" alt=" Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City between morning and afternoon routes. School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019 (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)." />
 <figcaption> Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City between morning and afternoon routes. School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019 (Kevin Hardy/Stateline).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHMissouri State Representative Mike Jones, of Platte County, has introduced legislation to increase penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The proposed bill would raise fines to $500 for first-time offenders, allow for license suspension, and add points to driving records. The legislation aims to address the growing problem of drivers passing stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing lights, with the hope of deterring such dangerous behavior. The director of transportation for Platte County R-3 Schools supports the increased penalties as a necessary deterrent, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in preventing such violations. The bill is expected to gain traction as the legislative session progresses.The legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

New legislation aims to crack down on stop-arm violations to protect Missouri students