On a two-lane road, how far must you stay behind a school bus with flashing red lights?

On a two-lane road, how far must you stay behind a school bus with flashing red lights?

• A. Stop at least 20 feet away; continue only when bus resumes movement and it is safe
• B. Stop 50 feet away
• C. Stop 10 feet away
• D. Slow down but do not stop

Answer: (D)

When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a two-lane road, traffic must stop. The distance to stay behind the bus is at least 20 feet. This gap gives children room to cross safely and gives drivers time to react if the bus reopens its stop or if a child moves unexpectedly. You may proceed only after the red lights are turned off and the bus begins to move or the driver signals it’s safe. Slowing down without stopping does not provide the required protection. The only exception is on divided highways with a physical barrier between directions; in that case, traffic on the opposite side may not have to stop.

When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a two-lane road, traffic must stop. The distance to stay behind the bus is at least 20 feet. This gap gives children room to cross safely and gives drivers time to react if the bus reopens its stop or if a child moves unexpectedly. You may proceed only after the red lights are turned off and the bus begins to move or the driver signals it’s safe. Slowing down without stopping does not provide the required protection. The only exception is on divided highways with a physical barrier between directions; in that case, traffic on the opposite side may not have to stop.