(A) Every school bus shall, in addition to any other equipment and distinctive markings required pursuant to R.C. §§ 4511.76, 4511.761, 4511.764 and 4511.77, and any substantially equivalent municipal ordinances, be equipped with signal lamps mounted as high as practicable, which shall display to the front 2 alternately flashing red lights and 2 alternately flashing amber lights located at the same level and to the rear 2 alternately flashing red lights and alternately flashing amber lights located at the same level, and these lights shall be visible at 500 feet in normal sunlight. The alternately flashing red lights shall be spaced as widely as practicable, and the alternately flashing amber lights shall be located next to them.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to 1 predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within 1 year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of 2 or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(R.C. § 4511.771) (1974 Code, § 73.75)