Conduct and Safety Rules for School Bus Passengers

Expectations for Conduct and Safety of School Bus Passengers

1. Behavior and Safety at the Bus Stop – The behavior and the safety of the passenger is the responsibility of the parent/guardian until the student boards the 
bus and after the student exits the bus at his or her scheduled bus stop. (Safety 
concerns should be reported to the school principal or appropriate law 
enforcement agency.

2. Safe Route to Bus Stop – In walking to a bus stop parents and passengers should 
decide the safest route. If no sidewalk, passengers should walk to the left of the 
street or highway on the road shoulder facing traffic.

3. Being on Time – Passengers must be on time and at the bus stop. The driver has a 
schedule to follow and cannot wait on tardy passengers. The driver is not 
obligated to blow the horn or wait for passengers not in sight.

4. At the Bus Stop – A passenger must stay 10 feet off the street or roadway. A child 
should never approach a school bus until the bus is completely stopped, all red 
lights are flashing, the stop sign out, the walk arm extended and the driver has 
motioned it is safe. Then the passenger must check to make sure all vehicles are 
stopped.

5. Entering the Bus – While boarding the bus the passenger should use the handrail 
and watch his/her step.

6. Taking a Seat – When a passenger enters the school bus he/she should take their 
assigned seat immediately and remain seated. Absolutely no moving around on 
the bus while the bus is in motion.

7. Opening Windows – A passenger must ask permission if the window needs to be 
opened. A passenger must never hang any part of his/her body out of the school 
bus window.

8. Throwing Objects, Shouting – Objects should never be thrown about in the bus or 
out the windows. A passenger should not shout and wave to pedestrians or 
occupants of other vehicles from the bus windows. Passengers should talk quietly.

9. Eating – A passenger should never eat or drink on the bus.

10. Keeping the Aisle Clear – Personal belongings should be kept on the lap or under 
the seat. Arms and legs must be kept out of the aisle.

11. Bullying – Passengers should never harass or abuse the driver or another 
passenger verbally or physically. This is a serious offense and will not be 
tolerated. Failure to comply may result in loss of bus privileges.

Duties & Responsibilities of School Bus Passengers 

 
The school principal shall make certain that all passengers assigned to a school bus are 
informed and cautioned through class instruction, supervision and otherwise, of the 
responsibility of the individual passenger for conduct and safety. The principal should 
also acquaint the parents/guardians of each passenger with the responsibilities expected 
of them and their child. Each bus passenger shall cooperate willingly with any school 
official, bus driver, and bus monitor. 

12. Indecent Language, Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol, and Gang Activity will not be tolerated.