Overview

• The legislation will outlaw passing stopped school buses at designated stops and strengthen requirements for bus signage and lighting.
• Fixed penalty notices will apply to drivers who fail to activate required bus lights when children board or alight.
• Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the measures after fatal accidents in Co Londonderry and Co Fermanagh highlighted safety gaps.
• The regulations launch in September 2025 alongside 20mph zones around schools and a new Graduated Driver Licensing scheme.
• Families affected by past tragedies and Department for Infrastructure campaigns helped drive the push for tougher safeguards.