A 2-minute lesson from the Maryland course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A stopped school bus with flashing red lights means children may be getting on or off. Drivers must stop for school buses, from behind and from the front, with one clear exception.
On a two-lane road, a school bus stops facing you with red lights flashing. Stop at least 20 feet from its front and wait until it moves or the red lights go off.
Put it into practice
On a multi-lane highway with a grass median, a school bus stops with red lights flashing on the other side of the median. The barrier separates you, so you do not stop.
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.
How far must you stop from the back of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, if you are behind it?
At least 20 feet
At least 10 feet
At least 50 feet
At least 5 feet
Answer: At least 20 feet
You must stop at least 20 feet from the back of a school bus with its red lights flashing, if you're behind it.
When a school bus has its flashing red lights on, only drivers behind it must stop; oncoming drivers may pass slowly.
True
False
Answer: False
False. You must stop whether you are behind the bus or approaching it from the front. The only exception is a multiple-lane road divided by a physical barrier with the bus on the other side.
