It's that time of year when school buses are starting to run again. We've all been there. You're headed to work or to carpool, and you get caught behind the school bus. It's important to be patient and know when you're allowed to pass the bus and when you're not. Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Stephen Woodard offers an easy way to remember: "I'll give you a cheat code. If the only thing that's dividing the roadway is paint on the ground, everybody must stop. If there's a physical barrier, a grassy median, raised median, then of course, that other lane can continue on, but with caution. But if the only lane that's divided in the roadway is paint, then all lanes must stop," Woodard said. The school bus might have a stop sign, but it's not required to have one. When can you go ahead and drive? "If the school bus presents lighting that's flashing red and they're advising everyone to stop around them, you cannot proceed until those lights are off, until the stop signs are in or the stop arms are in, or that school bus driver actually waves you to continue," he said. The Texas Department of Transportation offers these additional reminders for drivers as the school year begins: Follow school buses at a safe distance. Remember they make frequent stops.Look out for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. For news updates, follow Elissa Rivas on Facebook, X and Instagram.