Jasper Police concerned about motorists ignorinig school bus stop signs | News

The Jasper Police Department is cracking down on those who don’t take school  bus safety seriously.

JPD says too many people are ignoring the state law that requires motorists in both directions to stop when the drop arm stop sign is extended by any school bus.

Officers want drivers to know that the flashing yellow lights appear first, followed by the stop arm and then lights turn to flashing red. All drivers must stop for the buses and watch for children crossing the roadway. The same law applies for streets that have a center turn lane as well.

At a four-way stop, all cars must stop in all directions until children are out of the intersection and the stop arm is retracted.

Anyone caught violating the law can be charged with an infraction that can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

Police will be shadowing busses in the coming days to watch for violations.