Gov. Brian Kemp placed his signature on Senate Bill (SB) 25 Friday morning, clearing up confusion on when traffic should stop for school buses that are loading or unloading passengers.
SB 25 reverses House Bill (HB) 978, which allowed oncoming traffic to continue on a four-lane divided highway if there was a painted turn lane dividing the road. Now, all traffic approaching a stopped school bus on a divided highway - whether from behind or from the opposite direction - must stop unless the the highway is separated by a barrier or a grass median.
The new law goes into effect immediately.
"Republicans and Democrats recognized that swift action was needed on this issue," Kemp said during the bill-signing ceremony.
SB 25 became the first piece of legislation Kemp signed as Georgia governor.
Penalties for failure to obey the law can include a court appearance, a fine up to $1,000 and six points on a driving record. For drivers under the age of 21 caught in a 'stop arm violation' the penalty includes a license suspension.
