Lesson 7 · Trucks, bikes and buses
Do you have to let a bus pull out from a stop?
Short answer
When a transit bus signals to pull back into traffic, slow down and let it in when you safely can. Several states require it by law.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Watch for buses at stops and their left signal.
- Slow down and leave space for the bus to pull out.
- Watch for people around the bus, who may cross in front of it.
- Follow at a safe distance once it is moving.
Why the rule works this way
Buses are large, slow to accelerate, and carry many people. Squeezing past a bus also puts you near riders who just got off.
Common mistakes
- Racing a bus as it pulls out.
- Passing a stopped bus too fast while people are getting off.
State differencesStates such as Washington, Oregon and Florida have laws requiring drivers to yield to buses re-entering traffic. Check your state handbook.
In VirginiaWe found no Virginia law requiring drivers to yield to a transit bus leaving a stop. Letting it in is still good practice. See all Virginia rules
Questions people ask
Is this the same as a school bus?
No. School buses with flashing red lights require everyone to stop.