TRENTON, NJ — A recent bill has been introduced to regulate the lane usage of school buses on multi-lane roads. This legislation prohibits school buses from using the left-hand lane on a roadway divided into multiple lanes, except under specific circumstances.
The bill outlines three exceptions to this rule:
- School buses can use the left lane for up to a mile when preparing for a left-hand turn.
- They may also utilize the left lane for up to one mile when necessary to access roadway entrances or exits located on the left.
- In emergency situations, such as poor visibility, snowy conditions, accidents, or the presence of emergency vehicles, school buses are allowed to use the left lane as deemed reasonably necessary.
Violations of these new regulations will incur a fine ranging from $100 to $300, along with an additional $50 surcharge. This legislation marks a significant change in the operational guidelines for school buses, aiming to enhance road safety and traffic flow on multi-lane roads.