A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Children getting on and off a bus are at the greatest risk outside the bus. Most are struck by drivers who fail to stop for flashing red lights and the extended stop arm.
Know the rule
Stop when meeting or following a school or church bus stopped on the road with its stop arm out and red lights flashing. Stay stopped until the arm is retracted and the lights go off.
No stop is required on a divided highway of four or more lanes (at least two each way) when the bus is in the opposing roadway, or in a loading zone where pedestrians can't cross.
On a four-lane undivided road, a school bus stops on the far side with its red lights flashing and stop arm out. You must stop at least 20 feet away, even though you're traveling the other way. On a divided highway with a median, you could keep going.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
On a divided highway of four or more lanes, is a stop required when meeting a school bus stopped in the OPPOSING roadway?
Yes, traffic from both directions must stop
No, a stop is not required
Only if children are visible
Only if driving over 45 mph
Answer: No, a stop is not required
A stop is not required on a divided highway with four or more lanes (permitting at least two lanes each direction) when meeting a bus stopped in the opposing roadway.
