The law hasn't changed. The ability to enforce it has.
Municipalities in Massachusetts can now use technology called
Stop-Arm Cameras, to identify illegal school bus passing violations. This innovative solution works in tandem with police to enhance safety protections for children.
Because the state law operates on an "opt-in" basis, individual city councils and towns must formally adopt the measure locally before deploying the systems:
" An agreement to provide a school bus violation detection monitoring system under this section shall only become effective after consent by the applicable district, through a vote of a majority of its governing school committee"
Read the full text for Chapter 399 here
Check out this informative article from StreetsblogMASS
KNOW WHEN TO STOP
Per MGL Chapter 90 §14, it is illegal to pass "When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words "SCHOOL BUS" and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing".
If a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle has its red lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must come to a complete stop.
It does not matter which side of the road you are traveling on.
The only exception is if a school bus has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a solid barrier between travel directions.
REMEMBER!
Not all school buses have extended stop signs - smaller vans and transport vehicles have red flashing lights to indicate you must stop.
When the red lights are flashing, there is no passing!
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