Some stops are obvious; others — school buses, safety patrols, a raised bridge — catch drivers off guard. Failing to stop for a school bus can cost you a large fine and your license.
At a stop sign
- Come to a complete stop
- Stop before a marked stop line
- If there's a crosswalk, stop before entering it
- Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic before going
- If your view is blocked, be ready to stop again for traffic or pedestrians
You must also come to a complete stop:
- Before entering a road from an alley, driveway, parking lot or ramp — and before any sidewalk
- At a red light, until it's green and your path is clear
- Where a pedestrian or bicyclist is crossing, marked or not — until they pass your lane
- At a flashing red light (treat it like a stop sign)
- At a freeway ramp meter showing red
- At a railroad crossing with a stop sign
- When a flag person or traffic device directs you to stop
- At a bridge raised to let boats through
School bus flashing yellow lights come on
| Speed zone | At least this far before the stop |
|---|---|
| 35 mph or less | 100 feet |
| More than 35 mph | 300 feet |
Know the rule
It's illegal to pass a school bus on the right while it shows flashing red or yellow lights.
Handbook p. 44 ↗Stop at least this far from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights
Handbook p. 45 ↗Know the rule
Stop for flashing red lights even if the stop arm doesn't swing out, and stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing — whether you face the front or the back of the bus.
Handbook p. 45 ↗Know the rule
The only exception: on a divided roadway you don't stop for a bus with red lights flashing on the opposite side of the divider.
Handbook p. 45 ↗
School bus penalties
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Not stopping for flashing red lights | Misdemeanor; fine of at least $500 and loss of license |
| Arrest with probable cause | Allowed within four hours of the violation |
| Your vehicle used by another driver | Owner/lessee guilty of petty misdemeanor unless driver shown |
Know the rule
When you apply for a license, you certify by signing that you understand the school bus stop law and its penalties.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Know the rule
Come to a complete stop for a student safety patrol helping children cross, and for adult crossing guards showing a stop sign or flag. Driving through a line of crossing children is illegal even with no patrol: a misdemeanor, and a gross misdemeanor for a second violation within a year.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Know the rule
Stop for a school bus flagger directing traffic so buses can leave school property, and don't go until the flagger or a police officer directs you.
Handbook p. 46 ↗Put it into practice
On a four-lane road with no median, a school bus stops in the opposite lanes with red lights flashing. You must stop at least 20 feet away. Only a divided roadway would let you keep going.