In an effort to safeguard children across Mississippi, the state passed Nathan’s Law in 2011 to crack down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The law was named in memory of 5-year-old Nathan Key, a kindergartner from Jones County who was killed in 2009 after a motorist ignored a stopped school bus’s flashing lights and stop sign.
Nathan’s death spurred both heartbreak and action, leading lawmakers to strengthen penalties and promote greater awareness around school transportation safety.
What Nathan’s Law Means for Mississippi Drivers
Nathan’s Law introduced several key measures designed to protect children entering or exiting school buses:
Stricter Penalties: Drivers caught illegally passing a stopped school bus now face fines of up to $750 for a first offense. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $1,500 and may have their driver’s license suspended.
Felony Charges Possible: If a motorist hits or kills a child while illegally passing a bus, they may face felony charges and potential jail time.
Passing is Prohibited on Both Sides: The law makes it illegal to pass a stopped school bus from either direction, unless the road is physically divided by a median.
Driver Reporting Power: School bus drivers can now report the license plate number of any vehicle that unlawfully passes a bus. Law enforcement can act on this information to investigate and issue citations.
Bus and Student Safety Enhancements: The law encourages school districts to equip buses with safety crossing arms, which ensure children cross in full view of the bus driver. It also requires that students receive instruction on proper school bus safety.
Raising Awareness and Saving Lives
Since its passage, Nathan’s Law has helped increase public awareness of school bus safety and deter reckless driving in school zones. It’s a critical piece of legislation that serves as a lasting tribute to Nathan Key’s memory and a proactive step toward preventing future tragedies.
What You Can Do
Motorists are urged to:
Always stop when a school bus extends its stop sign and activates its red lights.
Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods.
Report unsafe drivers who violate school bus laws.
