Schools are back in session and that means school buses will be back on the road and school zones are back in effect.

We know it can be a little confusing to know when to stop for a school bus if you're headed in the opposite direction, so we've got some visuals to help you remember the rules.

Obviously, if you're on the same side of the road as the bus, you MUST stop if its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. If you pass a stopped school bus on the side where children enter and exit, the minimum fine is $465. Passing a school bus at any time gets you a minimum fine of $265.

But what if you're driving in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus?

This visual might help:

Basically, if it's just a two-lane road, you have to stop no matter which side you're on.

If you are on a multi-lane road without a raised median or barrier, cars in both directions MUST stop.

The rule is different on a divided highway.  As always, if you are driving on the same side of the road as the bus, you must stop. Drivers going in the opposite direction do NOT have to stop but are urged to drive with caution and keep a close eye out for kids.

School zones

A recent AAA survey found more than half of Floridians drive through a school zone on their daily commute.

And now those school zones will be back in effect.

Remember, when driving through a school zone, you MUST follow the posted speed limit, which is usually 15 mph.

Most zones have a flashing yellow light, reminding you to slow down.

Typically, school zones are in effect from 30 minutes before school starts (or a breakfast program starts, if that's earlier) until 30 minutes after school ends each day.

If you speed through a school zone, you will be cited for a moving violation, and any speeding fines are doubled.

For students

If your child plans to ride the bus, always get to your bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive and stay at least five steps away from the curb.

When the bus shows up, wait until it comes to a complete stop before getting on.