Lafayette School Bus Driver Pleads for Drivers to Obey Traffic Law

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - The 2026 school year may soon be coming to an end, but one Lafayette school bus driver is asking drivers to obey a specific traffic law.

The school bus driver posted his reminder in a popular Facebook group, and it was disturbing to read how many times some drivers ignore the lights and signs on school buses.

For years, we have mentioned how bad some people drive in the city of Lafayette, to the point that the Lafayette Police Department occasionally launches its red light campaign to catch those who ignore red lights.

Well, it may soon be time to put police officers on school buses to document those who ignore stop signs. The school bus driver, who took to social media to ask drivers to obey their stop signs when they are out, said that two or three times a week, some drivers just ignore the signs and drive past his bus while kids are exiting.

Look, I know many are in a rush in the morning and afternoon drive, but blatantly ignoring a stop sign on a school bus is foolish and arrogant. There's no reason ever to put a child at risk while they're getting on or off a school bus, and ignoring the lights and signs on school buses must stop.

I must say, I applaud the school bus driver for raising this awareness on the social media page, as we all need to play a role in getting our kids to and from school.

Penalty for Ignoring Signs and Lights on a School Bus

According to the State Legislature, in Louisiana, passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm is illegal and results in strict penalties, including fines of $100–$500, potential imprisonment for up to 6 months, and driver’s license suspension.

When Do You Have to Stop for a School Bus

Drivers must stop for a school bus with its red lights activated and stop arms extended on all roads, unless if the highway is separated by a physical barrier, such as a concrete median.