05-08-2025
Drivers could face fines if they don't follow these school zone and bus laws
As most central Indiana schools head back to classrooms the first week of August, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is reminding drivers to be more aware and to slow down around school zones.
Captain of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's traffic division, Fred Ilnicki, wants drivers on their morning and evening commutes to remember that they have a responsibility to help keep students safe.
"That responsibility falls on all of us, not just the police department," Ilnick told reporters Aug. 5. "It's upon all of us to make these zones and make our city a safer place."
Every school zone in Marion County is 25 mph, but the times in which they are enforced can vary from school to school.
Ilnicki said officers will be out at various school zones to enforce the speed limit throughout the school year.
"Everybody really should be driving like you see police officers in school zones all the time," Ilnicki said.
It is illegal for Indiana drivers to pass a bus that is stopped, has its red lights flashing, and its stop-arm is extended.
This applies to all drivers on all roads except for oncoming traffic on a divided highway where the road is separated by a barrier such as a concrete wall or a grassy median. Cars are only required to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus on divided highways.
For roads like College Ave, where the IndyGo red line concrete barrier runs, cars do not have to stop if they are on the opposite side of traffic from the stopped bus.
For drivers on a two-lane road, all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a stop-arm is extended.
Drivers traveling in both directions on a multi-lane paved road that has no middle divider must stop when the stop-arm is extended.
Drivers caught violating this law could face a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, as well as lose their driving license for 90 days.
Ilnicki said depending on how large the school zone is can depend on how many officers are sent to monitor the area.
Anyone can submit a traffic complaint to IMPD if they believe officers need to help enforce an area where speeding is occurring or other traffic violations are being noticed.
Ilnicki asks that anyone submitting a complaint provide as much detail as possible about the issue, such as the times of day they notice reckless drivers, so that officers can be the most effective.
To submit a traffic complaint, go to
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recommends that parents teach their children basic traffic safety rules so they can be best prepared when heading to their bus stop.
Here are some other tips they recommend for families:
