When are you required to stop for school buses?

Stopping for school buses is primarily mandated for safety reasons, particularly when children are present and may be crossing the street or boarding/departing from the bus. The law requires drivers to stop when the bus activates its red lights and extends its stop sign. This serves a critical function in protecting the safety of children, as it indicates that the bus is actively loading or unloading students.

The requirement to stop in this scenario is not dependent on the time of day, such as whether it's during school hours, or the specific presence of children at the moment the bus is stopped. The flashing red lights and extended stop sign unequivocally signify that drivers must come to a complete halt, ensuring a safe environment for children around school buses. This regulation applies regardless of the circumstances, underscoring the seriousness of adhering to these signals.