With school beginning, the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department is sharing safety tips

Class start Monday at most schools in Northeast Iowa.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public to be cautious when driving during school hours:

1. It is illegal to pass a bus from the rear when the amber or red lights are flashing.
2.  When approaching a bus from the front, drivers should proceed cautiously at no more than 25 miles per hour while the amber lights are on, and be prepared to stop.
3.  Drivers must stop a minimum of 15 feet away from the bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is out.
4.  The penalty for violating school bus laws is an automatic driver's license suspension in addition to a fine.

For more information on school bus safety laws, visit http://www.iowadot.gov/schoolbus/default.html or call the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office at 563-382-4268.