Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Question: Did I hear something about a new law about stopping for school buses?
Answer: In March 2026, Minnesota law changed to require drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus whenever the red lights are flashing. The stop arm does not need to be fully extended. This new requirement aims to remove confusion and clarify expectations for every driver on the road.
What changed
In the past, some drivers waited until the stop arm was fully extended before stopping. That is no longer the case.
Now, the rule is simple:
When a school bus’s red lights begin flashing, you must stop — no exceptions — at least 20 feet away from the bus.
- This applies whether the stop arm is extended or not.
- This applies when approaching from behind the bus.
- This applies to oncoming traffic on undivided roads.
This change removes guesswork and helps protect students as they enter or exit the bus.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).
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