DMV Permit · School Buses

When approaching a stopped school bus with red flashing lights and stop arm extended on a two-lane road, you must:

Correct answer

Stop and remain stopped in both directions until the red lights turn off and the stop arm retracts; this protects students who may be crossing the road

  1. A Continue at normal speed
  2. B Stop and remain stopped in both directions until the red lights turn off and the stop arm retracts; this protects students who may be crossing the road
  3. C Slow down only
  4. D Honk and continue

Why this is the answer

On a two-lane or undivided road, all traffic in both directions must come to a complete stop when a school bus has red flashing lights and the stop arm extended. Students may be crossing the road in either direction to reach the bus or their destination, and the school bus driver's signaling system protects them. The stop is required until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts. Penalties for passing a stopped school bus are severe in every state — typically $250-$1,000 first offense, with license suspension and points possible. Many jurisdictions use cameras on school buses to enforce the law.
Source: State driver handbooks, School Bus Laws

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