As students head back to school, school buses are becoming a bigger part of the morning commute and that means drivers need to know the rules when they see a bus with its red lights flashing.

In New Jersey, drivers must stop at least 25 feet away when a school bus activates its red warning lights.

On an undivided roadway, traffic traveling in both directions must stop.

There is one exception: Drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with a physical barrier or raised median can continue — but must slow down to 10 miles per hour.

School bus drivers say one of the biggest dangers is drivers illegally passing a stopped bus while children are getting on or off.

Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus in New Jersey face five points on their license and a fine of up to $250.

Some school districts are also using stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who illegally pass buses. Right now, the use of those cameras is a district-by-district decision.

Bus officials also warn drivers about the 10-foot danger zone around a school bus, where children may be walking, running or crossing.

The bottom line: When those red lights come on, drivers need to stop immediately and give children the space they need to get on and off the bus safely.

Because a few extra seconds on your commute aren't worth putting a child at risk.