LAPS NEWS

Los Alamos Public Schools is asking for the community’s help with student safety. Last semester, 100 vehicles in Los Alamos drove past school buses picking up or dropping off students. From Barranca Mesa to Pajarito Acres, vehicles of every description failed to obey the law, creating danger for students going to or from school.  And, bus drivers have already reported six violations in January 2020.

“Los Alamos Public Schools wants to remind drivers that it is unsafe for students and illegal to pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing,” said Supt. Kurt Steinhaus.

The New Mexico School Bus Law states that you must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching.  After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway and it is safe to proceed.

“The rule of thumb is, when the red lights are flashing, don’t go passing,” said Keith Rosenbaum, Director of Transportation. “We need drivers to obey the law and keep our students safe.” 

The penalty for running a school bus stop arm in Los Alamos County is, at a minimum, a $265 fine and six points off your driver’s license.

Let’s work together on student safety and preventing stop arm violations. For more information, contact the LAPS Let’s Transportation Department at 663-2255.