Officer Tidwell of the Milton Police Department told residents that Georgia law prohibits passing a stopped school bus and explained when motorists must stop and the penalties for noncompliance.

The clarification matters because stopping for buses is intended to protect children boarding or leaving school transportation. Officer Tidwell said motorists who ignore the rules face both safety risks and legal penalties.

"If you're driving on a 2 lane road, everyone has to stop. No exceptions," Officer Tidwell said. "On roads with 4 lanes or more, if there's no median, both directions must stop. Now, here's the exception. If there's a median or a center turn lane between you and the bus, only the cars behind the bus need to stop." Officer Tidwell added that oncoming vehicles may proceed if a median separates them from the bus but should do so with caution.

Officer Tidwell also summarized the potential penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus: "In Georgia, if you pass a stop school bus, you could face a fine of up to a thousand dollars and 6 points on your license." The officer reiterated the visual cues motorists must obey: "Just remember, if the red lights are flashing and the stop sign arm is out, you've got to stop."

The remarks were a public safety advisory from the Milton Police Department intended to remind drivers of the lane/median rules and the legal consequences of passing stopped school buses. Officer Tidwell encouraged motorists to exercise care around buses and children boarding or leaving the roadway.

The Milton Police Department did not provide a specific statutory citation during the remarks; Officer Tidwell described state law and local enforcement expectations.