People Continue to Break This Very Obvious Traffic Law in Maine

We all currently live in a time where patience is at an all time low. Perhaps it's the technology age, where we can have answers to any question in a matter of seconds. Or perhaps it's how busy we have all become with work, life and beyond.

Because of that impatience, public transit has been forced to adapt. Bus drivers complained repeatedly that there were not enough cautious and courteous drivers on the road allowing buses to reenter traffic flow. That was leading to delays in the bus schedule and opening the door to potential road rage incidents as well.

So the Maine Legislature decided to get to work. They passed a law called "Yield to Bus" in 2019, which requires motorists to do exactly that, yield to public transit if one of two requirements is met.

Those two requirements are:

• If a bus is equipped with signage that alerts motorists it is trying to reenter traffic flow
• The public way being traveled has a speed limit of 35mph or less

Portland Metro buses are equipped with a rear light that alerts motorists that the bus is trying to reenter the traffic flow. Even with the law in place, many motorists are simply ignoring the buses and willfully breaking the law. Because of that, both bus drivers and motorists remain frustrated.

If a motorist is caught breaking the law, a citation and fine is heading their way. The penalty isn't as substantial as passing a school bus in Maine but fines can add up. Unfortunately, policing this new law is challenging.