Wyoming Highway Patrol Reminded Drivers of Bus Laws
As National School Bus Safety Week nears, remember when you are legally required to stop for school buses.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Administration
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The Wyoming Highway Patrol has issued a reminder regarding traffic laws for school buses as National School Bus Safety Week approaches. Motorists across the state are required to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights when approaching from either direction.
Why it matters
School-age pedestrians face their highest safety risks while boarding or exiting vehicles, with nearly two-thirds of fatal school-transportation-related crashes involving children struck during this time. Staying alert for these stops is critical for preventing tragic accidents near our local bus routes.
Wyoming law mandates that drivers stop for buses on all road types, including those with four or more lanes, as these are treated as a single road. These rules remain in effect until the bus resumes motion or the red lights cease flashing.
The players
Wyoming Highway Patrol
The state law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing traffic safety regulations and educating the public on road rules.
Sheridan School Districts
Local public education entities that coordinate with law enforcement to maintain safe bus transportation fleets.
The details
Drivers should monitor for flashing yellow lights, which signal that a bus is preparing to stop and deploy its red lights. In Sheridan County, local law enforcement works directly with school district bus barn staff to perform mandatory annual safety inspections, ensuring that all equipment is in working order. Repairs are conducted immediately if faulty equipment is identified during these inspections.
Timeline
October 19-23, 2026: National School Bus Safety Week occurs.
Annually: Sheridan School Districts perform required safety inspections on buses.
The Home Front
Traffic laws regarding school buses are designed to create a uniform safety perimeter around children, regardless of road width or lane counts. This enforcement follows the standard protocols established for National School Bus Safety Week to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
Make sure to discuss these stopping requirements with any young drivers in your family before they head to school. Remind them that on roads with four or more lanes, they must still stop for a bus displaying flashing red lights just as they would on a residential side street.
The takeaway
Understanding that every road, regardless of lane count, is treated as a single roadway for bus stops is vital for driver safety compliance. Always come to a complete stop when you see flashing red lights and remain stationary until they are deactivated.
Further reading
For more information on school district oversight, visit Administration.
Live Poll
Do you feel drivers in your community prioritize student safety around school buses enough?
