LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The start of a new school year in Lexington has Kentucky transportation leaders urging drivers to take it slow and stay alert amid increased traffic and a newly enacted state law regarding school buses.
Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said on Aug. 10 that Lexington drivers could expect heavier traffic during the mornings and afternoons, especially in school zones.
KYTC noted that House Bill 7, which passed during Kentucky’s 2026 regular legislative session and became law on July 15, requires drivers on roads with four or more lanes to stop for a bus in the opposite direction with its stop arm extended and lights flashing unless that road is divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median.
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Leaders with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) emphasized that stops were required by law on all lanes for four-lane roads that include a painted median, paved median, or center turn lane.
Exception for median lane dividers
“Prior to this legislation, drivers on any road with four or more lanes did not need to stop if a bus had its stop arm extended and was picking up or dropping off students in the opposite direction,” said Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. “Now, drivers must stop unless there is a divider between the sets of lanes, such as a raised concrete barrier or a grass median. This is an important change to help increase the safety of the almost 400,000 students who ride a bus to school each day.”
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Leaders with the department of education listed several tips for families to consider for student safety as the new year begins:
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Have all items in their book bag before they leave home so they do not drop anything.
- Wait at the bus stop in a safe place, 10-12 feet away from the road.
- Keep electronic equipment packed away as they prepare to board. Never use an electronic device or wear ear buds when walking to the bus stop or when getting on or off the bus.
- Either call or return home for help if they miss the bus.
- NEVER chase after the bus.
- NEVER walk to another bus stop.
“As a reminder, families should never drive their student to another bus stop without permission. The bus driver is not expecting them, and your child may not be seen and can be injured,” state education leaders wrote…