Advisory
Sheriff's Office receiving complaints on motorists passing stopped school buses. Please read for law and penalty.
Recently, the Sheriff's Office has received numerous complaints of motorists passing stopped school buses. As this is extremely dangerous for the students entering and exiting the buses, we would like to take this opportunity to refresh Beaufort County's residents and guests on the law and the penalty associated with passing a stopped school bus.
The penalties for violating South Carolina section 56-5-2770 "Signals and markings on school buses; meeting, overtaking and passing school bus; loading passengers along multi-lane highways" can cost a motorist $1062.50 in fines and 6 points against his/her driver’s license for the first offense. Please look out for the students and follow the law regarding stopped school buses. As is the case with all state laws, this law is actively enforced by Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies.
For more Information
Sheriff's Office receiving complaints on motorists passing stopped school buses. Please read for law and penalty. 
Passing a Stopped School Bus with Flashing Lights
Recently, the Sheriff's Office has received numerous complaints of motorists passing stopped school buses. As this is extremely dangerous for the students entering and exiting the buses, we would like to take this opportunity to refresh Beaufort County's residents and guests on the law and the penalty associated with passing a stopped school bus.
Law for Two Lane Roads
Motorists traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing amber/red lights.
Law for Four Lane or More Roads
Motorists traveling behind the school bus must stop. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus do not have to stop.
Penalties for Violating Section 56-5-2770
The penalties for violating South Carolina section 56-5-2770 "Signals and markings on school buses; meeting, overtaking and passing school bus; loading passengers along multi-lane highways" can cost a motorist $1062.50 in fines and 6 points against his/her driver’s license for the first offense. Please look out for the students and follow the law regarding stopped school buses. As is the case with all state laws, this law is actively enforced by Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies.
For more Information
The attached informational graphics are courtesy of SC Target Zero and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
In addition, the South Carolina Highway Patrol produced a short informational YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp-fU3ihoko
You can access Section 56-5-2770 of the South Carolina Code of Laws here https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
For the safety of Beaufort County's students, we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
In addition, the South Carolina Highway Patrol produced a short informational YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp-fU3ihoko
You can access Section 56-5-2770 of the South Carolina Code of Laws here https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php
For the safety of Beaufort County's students, we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Address/Location
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
2001 Duke St
Beaufort, SC 29902
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 843-255-3200
