New Kentucky law expands when to stop for school buses

With the new school year approaching, there's a new Kentucky law in effect regarding stopping for school buses.

As of July 15, Kentucky drivers must stop for school and church buses displaying a stop arm and flashing red lights in both directions on most roadways. 

The biggest change affects four-lane roads. Under the new law, all traffic traveling in both directions must stop unless the roadway is separated by a raised barrier or an unpaved median. A center turn lane does not qualify as a median, meaning drivers on both sides of the road are required to stop.

Kentucky authorizes school districts to use stop-arm cameras to capture violations. Illegally passing a school bus carries penalties starting at $300. If the driver cannot be identified, the registered owner of the vehicle is presumed responsible and is ticketed.