As the school year begins in Fairfax County, local police are focusing on traffic safety around school buses and school zones. Officers are increasing enforcement efforts to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, which is classified as reckless driving under Virginia law.
According to state regulations, drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus is loading or unloading children with red lights flashing. The only exception applies if there is a physical median barrier separating the lanes; painted lines or turn lanes do not qualify.
The police emphasize that passing a stopped school bus can put children at serious risk, as their behavior can be unpredictable near roadways. “Illegally passing a stopped school bus turns a routine stop into a life-threatening situation. We’re not leaving that to chance,” according to the department.
In September, the Traffic Division is concentrating on enforcement near bus stops, in school zones, and along common cut-throughs. Officers will also monitor for speeding in these areas and for drivers ignoring crossing guards or failing to yield to pedestrians.
The ongoing Road Shark initiative uses data-driven deployment of officers combined with education and enforcement efforts to protect children traveling to and from school.
Police remind drivers: “Red means stop. Every lane, every time. Only proceed when the bus turns off its red lights and retracts the stop sign.” They further clarify that drivers may continue only if there is a physical barrier dividing the roadway; otherwise, all traffic must stop.
Fairfax County Police reaffirm their commitment to traffic safety through targeted enforcement, public education, and partnerships with the community. They encourage residents to report dangerous driving behavior around schools or buses.
Residents are also invited to register their cameras with Connect Fairfax County, an initiative aimed at helping police solve crimes and locate missing persons by using privately owned security footage.
For updates on enforcement efforts and safety reminders, community members can follow Fairfax County Police on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
