Passing a School Bus With Flashing Lights
You are driving on a two-lane road with one lane in each direction at 35 mph. A school bus ahead of you in your lane has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended. The bus is stopped, and children are getting off. There is no median or physical barrier between the lanes. A car behind you is tailgating closely. You are late for an appointment. The bus is about 100 feet ahead, and you can see children near the edge of the road.
1. Must you stop, and for how long?
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Yes. On a two-lane road with no median or barrier, you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, whether you are behind it or approaching from the opposite direction. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing. The tailgating car behind you does not change your obligation; stop smoothly and early so the driver behind has time to react. Do not pass the bus while the lights are flashing.
2. Does the tailgating car create an exception?
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No. A tailgater is a reason to brake gradually and signal early, not a reason to run the bus's lights. If you stop abruptly, the car behind may rear-end you, so begin slowing as soon as you see the flashing lights and stop arm. If the car behind is too close, leave extra room ahead. You may tap your brakes to warn the driver, but you must still stop.
3. What if the bus were on the other side of a divided highway with a median?
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If the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway with a median or physical barrier separating the directions, you generally do not have to stop. The rule requiring opposite-direction traffic to stop applies when there is no median or barrier. When in doubt, slow down and be ready to stop, especially if children are near the road.