PEI Driver Slapped with $1,000 Fine for Risking Kids by Overtaking Stopped School Bus
- Nishadil
- June 07, 2026
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Driver fined $1,000 after passing stopped school bus in Summerside, PEI
A Summerside driver was hit with a $1,000 fine and demerit points after police caught him passing a school bus that had its flashing lights on while children were boarding.
It was a typical weekday morning in Summerside when a school bus pulled over to let a handful of children climb aboard. The bus’s red lights were flashing, its stop arm was extended – the universal signal that no car should move past it.
Unfortunately, one driver didn’t get the memo. A police officer, who happened to be patrolling the area, saw the vehicle zip past the stationary bus. The officer immediately pulled the driver over and explained the seriousness of the offense.
Under Prince Edward Island’s traffic laws, passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights is not just rude – it’s illegal. The driver faces a $1,000 fine and a set number of demerit points, a penalty meant to deter anyone from thinking it’s okay to endanger kids waiting for their ride.
“We take the safety of our children very seriously,” said the officer on scene. “A momentary lapse can have life‑changing consequences, and we’re here to make sure everyone remembers that.”
The incident serves as a reminder to all motorists: when you see those red lights and the stop arm, stop and wait. It’s a small pause that can keep a child safe and keep you out of the legal crosshairs.
Police say they will continue to monitor school routes during peak times and encourage anyone who witnesses unsafe behavior to report it. In the meantime, drivers are urged to stay vigilant and respect the bus’s warning signals – after all, it’s not just a rule; it’s a protection for the next generation.
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