When are you required to stop for a school bus?

You are required to stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. This signifies that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus, and stopping helps ensure their safety. The flashing red lights act as a warning to all vehicles approaching the bus, indicating that it is crucial to come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the lights turn off and the stop arm retracts.

Stopping in this situation is not only a safety measure but also a legal requirement. Failing to stop when these signals are activated can result in severe penalties, including fines and points on your driving record. This law is in place to protect children who may be crossing the street.

In contrast, the other situations described would not require a stop for a school bus. For example, yellow lights typically indicate that the bus is preparing to stop and drivers should slow down, but they do not mandate stopping. Similarly, if a bus is not moving or other vehicles are stopped, the law does not require you to stop unless those specific signals are active.