When are you required to stop for school buses?

Stopping for school buses is a critical aspect of road safety. The requirement to stop when the bus is loading or unloading children is enforced to protect the safety of young passengers who may be crossing the road or entering/exiting the bus.

When a school bus has its red lights flashing and the stop sign extended, it indicates that children are either getting on or getting off the bus. As a driver, stopping helps ensure that these children can do so safely, without the risk of being struck by moving vehicles. This rule is particularly important because children may be unpredictable and may not always be aware of traffic dangers.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the legal requirements. For example, stopping only during school hours does not account for extracurricular activities or bus routes that occur outside of typical school times. Similarly, requiring a stop only when children are visible can be misleading, as children may be out of sight or unpredictable in their movements. Parking status of the bus itself is irrelevant if it is not actively loading or unloading, as the primary concern is the safety of the children.