Illinois has several laws specifically written to protect children traveling on school buses and in school zones. 

Some of these laws govern the behavior of other drivers and those who violate these laws may face a 30-day suspension of their driver’s license. There are greater penalties for repeat offenders. The following are some traffic rules that Illinois drivers should be aware of:

• Upon approaching a school bus stopped for the purpose of loading or discharging students, a motorist traveling in either direction must stop and remain stopped until the bus signals are no longer activated
• When official signs are posted, no motorist shall drive in excess of 20 miles per hour during school days when school children are present
• Drivers may not talk on a cell phone while driving in a school zone

School bus safety laws also regulate equipment and safety procedures throughout the state:

• School buses must be affixed with special visual equipment and other safety devices. In addition to the STOP arm on the driver's side of the bus, all school buses must be equipped with an 8-lamp flashing signal, permitting a red light to be used while the school bus is stopped, and an amber (or caution) light to be used just prior to and after stopping. The law states that these visual warnings can be used only when loading or discharging pupils.
• School buses are required to carry fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Buses that carry 17 or more passengers and that were manufactured after July 31, 1976, must have laminated safety glass.

To distinguish official school buses from other types of buses, the law provides that no vehicle other than one registered as a school bus can be painted the national school bus color, chrome yellow, nor can any other vehicle be identified with the words "school bus." When yellow school buses are used for transporting passengers on other than official school business, the "school bus" sign must be covered.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.