August 20, 2026
School is starting back up across Tama County, which means school buses are back on the road and kids are getting on and off them every morning and afternoon.
This is a good time for a quick reminder about Iowa’s school bus laws. The rules can be confusing depending on the type of road you are traveling on, so we are sharing this graphic from the Iowa DOT that does a good job of showing when you are required to stop.
On a road with three lanes or fewer, traffic in both directions must stop when the bus stops and its stop arm is extended.
On a road with four or more lanes, with at least two lanes traveling in each direction, traffic approaching the bus from behind must stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction does not have to stop.
If you are coming up behind a school bus and its amber or red lights are flashing, do not pass it. When the bus stops and the stop arm comes out, you must stop at least 15 feet behind the bus and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the bus begins moving again.
There are also serious consequences for passing a stopped school bus. Under Iowa law, a first offense is a simple misdemeanor and carries a fine of $345 to $930, up to 30 days in jail, or both. A violation can also result in action against your driver’s license.
The law is important, but the reason behind it is pretty simple. When that stop arm comes out, a child may be getting on or off that bus or crossing the road.
Slow down. Pay attention. Put the phone down. Give the bus plenty of room.
A few seconds of your time is a small price to pay to make sure a child gets home safely.
We hope everyone has a safe and great start to the school year.
Tama County Sheriff’s Office
June 9, 2026
