Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 11, 2025 – With school about to start in Craighead County, JPD offered some tips for safe driving.
JPD emphasized that drivers should not pass school buses as they unload and load students on city streets and highways. Drivers should stop at least 30 feet away from buses in both directions, according to Arkansas law.
“If you see the mounted stop sign on the bus engaged and flashing, traffic must stop in ALL DIRECTIONS,” a Facebook post from JPD said. “This includes all roads that do not have a grass or concrete median.”
It added that failure to stop could result in significant fines and the driver potentially losing their license.
According to a Facebook post from the City of Jonesboro, failure to stop when school buses have their stop signs extended could result in a fine up to $2,500, a suspension of a driver’s license lasting 21 days to one year, up to 90 days in jail, and/or up to 400 days of community service.
Drivers are also urged to keep an eye out for any traffic or pedestrians crossing the street to get to school, stay alert in school zones, and to slow down and be patient during pickup and drop-off hours.
JPD also stated that phones, including hands-free devices, can be used in school drop-off zones, as the distraction could cause accidents.
The Brookland School District began school on Aug. 7. Riverside School District’s first day is Aug. 12. All other public Craighead County districts, which includes Jonesboro Public Schools, Valley View School District, and Nettleton Public Schools, start on Aug. 13.
READ MORE: When is the first day of school across Craighead County?
