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   The Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced a change to state law requiring drivers to stop for school buses, closing what officials described as a dangerous loophole.

   Under the updated law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus whenever its red lights are flashing, regardless of whether the stop arm is fully extended. Previously, the law required both flashing lights and an extended stop arm, creating situations where some drivers attempted to pass before the arm was fully deployed.

   The change took effect immediately and is intended to improve student safety as children board and exit buses.

   State officials highlighted the urgency of the update, noting that school bus drivers reported 514 stop-arm violations in a single day during a 2025 survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. In addition, stop-arm camera programs have led to more than 2,000 citations issued to drivers this year.

   Officials say drivers must follow all school bus signals, as visibility can be limited and children may act unpredictably.

   A press conference announcing the change was held April 28 at Burnsville High School.

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