Virginia House bill sponsored by Del. Reid clarifies when motorists must stop for school buses

A bill introduced by State Del. David A. Reid seeks to specify school bus stopping rules for drivers and identifies certain exceptions, based on information from the Virginia State House.

The legislation, known as HB409 and filed on Jan. 14, 2026, in the 2026 regular session, is formally titled: “Passing a stopped school bus; divided highways, access roads, and certain driveways.”

Below is an overview summarizing key details, with explanatory notes for clarity where helpful.

The bill provides clear requirements on when drivers should stop for a halted school bus and when exceptions apply. It maintains obligations for motorists to stop on highways, private roads, and school driveways whenever a bus is loading or unloading children, elderly adults, or individuals with disabilities. Drivers must remain stopped until all individuals are clear and the bus has moved, with violations classified as reckless driving. The bill further states exemptions for drivers on the far side of a divided highway, access road, or driveway divided by a physical barrier or unpaved area—even if segmented for intersections or turns—or when instructed to proceed by a law enforcement officer or uniformed school crossing guard.

Rep. David A. Reid (Democrat-28th District) introduced the bill as its only sponsor.

During the current session, Reid has sponsored 18 additional bills.

Reid holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1984.

A member of the Democratic Party, Reid was elected in 2024 to the Virginia State House, representing the 28th House district, and succeeded former state representative Tara Durant.

Virginia’s legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in the House of Delegates or Senate and then referred to committee for review and potential amendments. If passed by the committee, a bill moves to floor debate and voting in both legislative chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it goes to the governor, who may sign, veto or let it become law without a signature. The General Assembly opens its regular session each year on the second Monday in January, with lawmakers submitting hundreds of proposals, though only some become law.