What are the penalties for failing to stop for a school bus in Quebec?

Failing to stop for a school bus results in 9 demerit points, fines from $400 to $1,000 plus administrative and court fees, and a record of conviction affecting insurance premiums and driver standing.

What are common defense strategies for school bus stop violations?

Common defense strategies include challenging the timing of the stop, questioning signal visibility, demonstrating equipment or signal malfunction, and using video or witness evidence to prove safe conduct or unclear signals.

Failing to Stop for a School Bus

Q: What is the law regarding stopping for school buses in Quebec?

The driver of a road vehicle or cyclist approaching a bus or minibus used for transportation of school children with flashing red lights turned on or whose compulsory stop signal has been activated must stop more than 5 metres from the bus and shall not meet or pass it until the flashing red lights are turned off and the compulsory stop signal has been retracted.

Failing to stop for a school bus is treated as a severe offence—but every situation has context. Me Lespérance Hudon examines evidence, timing, and visibility to protect your rights and reduce penalties wherever possible.

Overview of the Law

The driver of a road vehicle or a cyclist who is approaching a bus or minibus used for the transportation of school children with flashing red lights turned on or whose compulsory stop signal has been activated must stop his vehicle more than 5 metres from the bus or minibus and shall not meet or pass it until the flashing red lights are turned off and the compulsory stop signal has been retracted, and he ascertains that he can do so in safety.

100 km/h sur les autoroutes
90 km/h sur les autoroutes en béton ou en asphalte
70 km/h sur les routes en gravier
50 km/h en agglomération

This requirement does not apply when the bus is on an adjacent roadway separated by a median strip or other raised barrier.

Sanctions et ‍Conséquences

Failing to stop for a school bus is among the most serious offences under the Highway Safety Code.

9 demerit points
Fines from $400 to $1,000, plus administrative and court fees
Record of conviction affecting insurance premiums and driver standing

Les infractions répétées ou les cas impliquant des blessures ou des dommages peuvent entraîner des sanctions plus lourdes.

Common

Even if it is a serious offense, there are several legitimate defences that can challenge the evidence or circumstances of the arrest.

Challenging Timing of the Stop

The prosecution must prove the lights were active at the exact moment the vehicle passed — uncertainty in timing can create doubts.

Questioning Signal Visibility

If the bus’s flashing lights or stop sign were not clearly visible due to lighting, distance, or obstruction, the evidence may not support a conviction.

Equipment or Signal Malfunction

Malfunctioning or improperly operated bus lights and stop arms can undermine the reliability of the charge.

Using Video or Witness Evidence

Dashcam footage, traffic cameras, or witness statements can provide critical proof of safe conduct or unclear signals.

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