Parents Know the Law

Incidents of parents trying to board school buses in Maryland are on the rise. While
reasons for these unauthorized boarding attempts vary, they always endanger students.
School buses are an extension of school and are meant to be safe spaces. Bus drivers are trained in safety protocols that include not allowing parents to board.

Maryland Laws On School Bus Safety

Maryland Education Law (26-104)

Who Can Ride A School Bus?

School bus drivers are not allowed to let anyone who is not a student or a school employee board or ride the bus. This rule in in place to ensure the safety of students. Exceptions may apply in specific situation, as outlined by law.

Maryland Education Law (26-104)

Protecting School Bus Drivers

It is a crime to interfere with, disrupt, or obstruct a school bus driver while they are doing their job.

Consequences for Violating this Law

Anyone who disrupts a school bus drivers's duties can face serious penalties including:

a fine up to $1,000
up to 90 days in jail,
or both.

Best Practices

For the safety and security of all children, only authorized personnel and students are permitted on the bus
To report school bus related concerns contact the school's administration
If you need to speak with the driver, approach the driver's side window instead of the bus's service door. For everyone's safety, the bus's flashing lights will remain activated during this time.
Keep conversation with the driver brief to ensure traffice flows smoothly and routes are not delayed.

Thes laws aim to ensure student safety during school commutes and allow bus drivers to perform their duties without distractions. Parents can assist by reinforcing bus rules and respecting bus rules and respecting bus drivers' responsibilities.

Bus Safety Flyer