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CDL · Loading and Unloading

When are other vehicles required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

On undivided roads, all vehicles in both directions must stop; on divided roads, typically only vehicles in the same direction must stop. Always check state-specific rules

  1. A No other vehicles need to stop
  2. B Only buses must stop for other buses
  3. C Only the vehicle directly behind the bus
  4. D On undivided roads, all vehicles in both directions must stop; on divided roads, typically only vehicles in the same direction must stop. Always check state-specific rules

Why this is the answer

On an undivided road, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has red lights flashing and stop arm extended — this protects students who may cross the road. On a divided road (with a physical median or barrier), generally only traffic in the same direction as the bus must stop; traffic in the opposite direction continues at normal caution. Specific rules vary by state. The penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus is severe in every state — often $250-$1,000 first offense, license suspension, and points. Drivers should never assume; come to a complete stop until the red lights stop and the stop arm retracts.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 10.2.5 Stop Arm Laws

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About this topic: Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading is where most student fatalities occur. These questions cover the stop procedure, use of warning lights and the stop arm, counting students, and what to do if a student drops something near the bus. This is one of 20 School Bus questions on loading and unloading, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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