VirginiaHB4092026 Regular SessionHouse

Passing a stopped school bus; divided highways, access roads, and certain driveways.

Sponsored By: David A. Reid (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Passing a stopped school bus; divided highways, access roads, and certain driveways. Clarifies that the exemption from the requirement for a driver of a motor vehicle to stop for a stopped school bus if such bus is stopped on the other roadway of a divided highway, on an access road, or on a driveway when the other roadway, access road, or driveway is separated from the roadway on which he is driving by a physical barrier or an unpaved area applies regardless of whether the physical barrier or unpaved area is continuous or segmented when necessary to accommodate an intersection or turning vehicles.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

When you must stop for school buses

You must stop from any direction for a school bus that is stopped to pick up or drop off children, older adults, or people with disabilities on any highway, private road, or school driveway. Stay stopped until everyone is clear and the bus moves. You do not have to stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway, an access road, or a driveway separated by a physical barrier or an unpaved area, even if it has breaks for turns. You may pass if a police officer or an authorized uniformed school crossing guard directs you to pass when the bus is loading or unloading next to school property. Not stopping when required is reckless driving.

Which buses count and enforcement rules

The stop rule applies only to buses painted yellow, labeled “School Bus” in black letters at least eight inches high on the front and back, and fitted with the required warning devices. Testimony from the bus driver, the bus supervisor, or a police officer that the vehicle met those markings and equipment is taken as proof it was a school bus. If at least one required warning device was on while the bus was stopped, that is taken as proof it was loading or unloading protected riders.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David A. Reid

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 218 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/24/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/21/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0132)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 132 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB409)

    2/27/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB409ER)

    2/26/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    2/26/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/26/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/26/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/24/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/23/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/23/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Transportation (15-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026Senate
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB409)

    1/30/2026House
  17. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  19. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  20. Read second time and engrossed

    1/27/2026House
  21. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  22. Reported from Transportation (21-Y 0-N)

    1/22/2026House
  23. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    1/21/2026House
  24. Assigned HTRAN sub: Highway Safety and Policy

    1/19/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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