The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is reminding drivers of some tips to keep in mind now that a new school year is underway.

Sheriff Chuck Heit tells us it’s illegal to pass a school bus when it’s stopped with its red lights flashing.

“The first offense is a civil infraction for passing a school bus,” Heit said. “If the passing of school bus results in any type of crash or injury, those fines and penalties are increased.”

Heit says drivers should also proceed with caution if a school bus has its yellow lights flashing.

“Sometimes they’ll do what they call a hazard stop. They’ll pull off with the hazards on them. You still don’t want to go solely around that. It’s not something that requires you to stop, but it is something just to be cautious. Any time a school bus is in the area, just be aware because you never know where the stop is, when they may activate their lights. Just be cautious.”

Heit notes kids can go darting around the front or rear of a bus, so drivers should always exercise caution near school buses.

Violations of the law on passing school buses can come with a fine of between $100 and $500. The fine is doubled for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus if it occurs in a school zone, which is anywhere within 1,000 feet of a school property line.

Heit also reminds drivers to ditch distractions when behind the wheel. Remember it’s now illegal to hold a cell phone while driving.