Date: 08/11/2025
WESTMINSTER, Colo -- With school buses hitting the roads for back-to-school and motorcyclists out enjoying the warm weather rides, WPD wants to make sure you know the rules of the roads.
School Bus Passing
Colorado now requires approaching traffic to stop for school buses with its flashing red lights unless there is a physical barrier separating you from the bus. SB 25-1230, the new passing rule, went into effect on May 24, 2025.
FAQs:
- Q: What if there are painted lines or a painted median separating opposing directions of traffic?
- A: This is not a physical barrier and therefore you must stop.
- Q: There is a raised median separating the opposing direction of traffic. Do I still need to stop?
- A: If you are a driver coming from the oncoming lane, you may proceed to drive with caution as this is considered a physical barrier.
- Q: How far back must drivers stop behind a school bus with its flashing red lights?
- A: Drivers must stop at least 20 feet before reaching 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.
More information on the passing law is available on the CSP website.
Motorcycle Lane Filtering
The Colorado Department of Transportation released more information on a new law allowing motorcycles to pass between vehicles stopped on the roadway and traveling the same direction as the rider. The law went into effect on August 7, 2024.
- The motorcycle passes on the left of the vehicle in front of them
- The other vehicles are stopped and traveling the same direction as the rider, such as in traffic or at a red light
- The lane is wide enough to pass safely
- The motorcycle does not exceed 15 mph when passing
- When the stopped vehicles begin to move, motorcyclists cannot pass