The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office joins school districts, transportation partners, and local law enforcement agencies across the Pikes Peak region in recognizing National School Bus Safety Week, held October 20 – 24, 2025.
The annual campaign serves as a reminder to every driver — slow down, pay attention, and stop for school buses.
Each day, thousands of students in El Paso County rely on school buses as the safest form of transportation to and from school. However, student safety depends on everyone following traffic laws designed to protect children near schools and bus stops.
“Every driver has a role in keeping our children safe,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “When you see flashing red lights or a school-zone sign, slow down, stop, and look around. A moment of patience can prevent a lifetime of regret. Our Office takes a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to school bus and school-zone violations. Passing a stopped bus or speeding through an active school zone is reckless and inexcusable. The safety of our students is non-negotiable, and those who endanger them will be held accountable.”
Colorado Law: Stop Means Stop
Colorado law is clear: when a school bus stops and activates its flashing red lights with the stop arm extended, all vehicles traveling in both directions must stop, unless a physical barrier or raised median separates the lanes of traffic. Painted lines alone do not count as a barrier.
Drivers must remain stopped until the bus turns off its red lights, retracts its stop arm, and resumes motion. Violating this law can result in six points on a driver’s license, substantial fines, and a mandatory court appearance.
School Zones: Slow Down and Stay Alert
School zones across the Pikes Peak region are clearly marked for a reason — children can be unpredictable, and every second counts.
- Speed limits in school zones are typically 20 MPH, and fines are doubled for violations.
- In El Paso County, exceeding the posted school-zone speed limit by 25 MPH or more results in a mandatory court appearance.
- Drivers must yield to crossing guards, obey all traffic control signs, and avoid distractions.
Watch our school bus safety video, here.