AMES, Iowa — A new rule takes effect today that increases the administrative driving privilege sanctions for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

The rule was approved by the Iowa Transportation Commission, and the director of the Iowa Department of Transportation adopted the emergency administrative rule that is in keeping with the provisions of legislation signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Terry Branstad.  

The Keep Aware Driving — Youth Need School Safety Act (commonly known as Kadyn’s Law) signed by Branstad increased the criminal penalties for passing a stopped school bus, and it directed the Iowa Department of Transportation to enact rules that make illegally passing a stopped school bus a serious moving violation that triggers increasing periods of suspension for first, second and subsequent offenses.

The new rule that takes effect today provides that a person’s driving privilege in the state will be suspended 30 days for a first conviction, 90 days for a second conviction and 180 days for a third or subsequent conviction.   

“We hope that these increased penalties and sanctions will make drivers think twice before foolishly choosing to pass a stopped school bus,” said Kim Snook, director of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Driver Services. “More than thinking about their own penalty, however, we hope they will remember and recognize that passing a stopped school bus threatens the life of a child. The few seconds gained is not worth risking a child’s life.”

For more information on the administrative sanctions for motorists convicted of illegally passing a stopped school bus, go here and scroll down toward the bottom of the page.

Other news related to illegal school bus passing:

• House passes measure to bolster illegal bus passing laws

• Bus stop near-miss makes for powerful lesson