If you want to overtake a bus, you have to observe a few rules according to the road traffic regulations. Either this is just cautious and sometimes not allowed at all. The following guide explains the correct driving behavior at bus stops because the rules vary depending on the situation.
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What do drivers have to watch out for at a bus stop?
A public bus is provided with a route number and the destination, while school buses are marked by orange boards with school children depicted on them. The legislature introduced a regulation many years ago to avoid accidents: The bus driver switches on the hazard warning lights at the bus stops.
But how do drivers behave correctly? Can they overtake and pass slowly or at a normal pace? Do you have to wait? This creates confusion for many. The following applies at the bus stop:
Bus with switched on hazard lights when approaching the bus stop
If the bus approaches the bus stop and the hazard warning lights are switched on, motorists are not allowed to drive past.
There is a strict no-overtaking ban, as the bus driver uses it to signal a dangerous stop, for example, at a school. You could still try to catch the bus and cross the lane carelessly. If you overtake, you risk a fine and a point in the Flensburg card index.
Switched on hazard warning lights at the stop
If the bus is parked at the bus stop with the hazard warning lights switched on so that passengers can get on and off, drivers can drive past the bus at walking speed and at a sufficient distance, regardless of the direction of travel, without the passengers being endangered or hindered. If this is not possible, they must be stopped and given priority.
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Bus wants to start again
If the bus wants to leave, it is necessary to have it threaded in and give way. Otherwise, there is a risk of a fine.
There is also no stopping at bus stops. Only taxis are allowed to stop briefly so that passengers can get on and off.
Danger:
Disregarding the traffic rules can result in a fine of 15 to 70 usd. The exact amount depends on whether people have been endangered.
Summary
The rules at a bus stop are often unknown or ignored. Passing requires some care and special consideration. If buses only hit you with a single flashing light, you are not allowed to drive past.
There is a strict no-stopping policy. If the bus is already stopping, you can overtake at a walking pace. This is also the case in the opposite direction. If he wants to start again, the bus driver must be given priority.
There is a ban on stopping at stops, with the exception of taxi drivers who are allowed to let their passengers get on or off. Special care should always be taken with school buses.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
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