Yield to the bus. The City of Steamboat Springs is reminding drivers to watch for the city buses, especially when that bus is re-entering from a bus stop. There is a Yield to Bus signal that lights up, and it is actually a law. Please let that bus re-enter traffic.
Press Release from City of Steamboat Springs; Feb. 4, 2025.
Yield to Bus Not Just a Courtesy, It’s the Law
Failure To Yield is a Class A Traffic Violation
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 4, 2025-Did you know that a bus driver’s most difficult task is re‑entering traffic from a bus stop? In an effort to enhance traffic flow, improve transit reliability, and make roads safer for everyone, Colorado created the Yield to Bus Law over 15 years ago. As part of the law, motorists must yield the right-of-way to transit buses merging into traffic from a bus stop.
“We’re all trying to get to where we’re going in town safely and that includes SST,” said Transit Manager Jonathan Flint. “To do that, SST drivers need your help in navigating their routes by yielding for the bus and allowing them to re-enter traffic. I appreciate all the drivers that already yield to the bus, it’s really helpful.”
The Yield to Bus Law is designed to help buses get quickly back into the traffic flow, allowing them to stay on time and on schedule. All SST buses have a yellow “Yield” light on the back of the vehicle which flashes on and off when the bus is merging back into traffic.
When an SST bus signals its intention to re-enter traffic, all drivers approaching from the rear or in the lane adjacent to the bus are required to slow down or stop to allow the bus to merge. The idea is to help drivers see the flashing light, so they have plenty of time to slow down and allow for the bus to merge into the lane. Failure to yield is a moving Class A traffic violation, punishable with a fine and points on your driver’s license.
SST drivers offer the following guidelines to help everyone traveling the roads safely together:
- Always use caution
- Watch for the illuminated Yield light on the back of all SST buses
- Slow down or stop to allow the bus to merge back into traffic
- Safely change lanes if you no longer want to travel behind the bus
- Do not attempt to change lanes quickly to overtake the bus
- Do not speed up to prohibit the bus or other motorists from entering the lane
In addition, SST buses maintain four feet of space on the right side for better visibility and a greater likelihood of avoiding a quick opening door, pedestrian stepping out or those unaware of traffic flows. When a bus passes close to a park vehicle, it creates turbulence that can pull open a partially opened door. This means SST buses may drive on the left of the lane and at times in both lanes, depending upon how vehicles are parked along the curb.