Regulations For Passengers Riding School Buses

School Bus Expectations

To keep everyone safe, students are expected to follow these rules while riding the school bus:

Behavior & Safety

• Follow all directions from the bus driver and be respectful to the driver and other students.
• The driver may assign seats to maintain safety and order.
• Stay seated and keep arms, legs, and head inside the bus at all times.
• Do not distract the driver while the bus is moving, except in an emergency.
• Do not wave, shout, or make gestures toward people outside the bus.
• Never throw objects inside or out of the bus.
• Do not touch or tamper with the emergency door.

Care of the Bus

• Do not damage or deface the bus. Any damage must be paid for by the student responsible.

Personal Items

• Bags, books, instruments, and other items must be held on your lap and not to encumber another student and kept out of the aisle.
• Items that are not allowed at school are also not allowed on the bus (including live animals, glass items, skateboards, scooters, surf/boogie boards, etc.).
• The driver may refuse transportation if a student has an unsafe item (such as matches, knives, or firearms etc.).

Food, Drinks & Devices

• Eating, drinking, or selling items on the bus is not allowed.
• Windows may only be opened with the driver’s permission.
• Cell phones and other portable communication devices may be used while riding the bus except for videoing other passengers and the driver.

Transportation Rules

• Students must ride their assigned bus and use their assigned bus stop.
• Any change in transportation requires written permission from a parent/guardian and approval from the school.
• Bus routes and stops cannot be changed without approval from the Office of Transportation Services.

Need Help?

• Contact the school principal or the Office of Transportation Services at (757) 263-1545.
• Additional details can be found in Virginia Beach School Board Policy 5-34 and Regulation 5-34.1.