Rules of the road
Lesson 1 · Right of way basics

When do you have to stop for a school bus?

Short answer

When a school bus has flashing red lights and its stop arm out, traffic in both directions must stop on a two-lane road. Wait until the lights stop and the arm folds in.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop. Slow down and get ready.
  2. Flashing red lights and a stop arm mean stop, well back from the bus.
  3. Stay stopped until the red lights go off and the arm folds in.
  4. Watch for children as you start moving again.

Why the rule works this way

Children often cross in front of the bus, and drivers behind it cannot see them. Stopping both directions keeps the road empty while they cross.

Common mistakes

  • Passing because the bus is on the other side of the road.
  • Going as soon as the door closes, before the lights stop.
State differencesOn a divided highway with a median, drivers going the other way often do not have to stop, but some states (New York, for example) require it. Many states also say to stop at least 20 feet back. Check your state handbook.
In VirginiaStop from any direction for a bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm out. You do not need to stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier or unpaved median. Passing a stopped school bus is reckless driving. See all Virginia rules

Questions people ask

Do I stop on a four-lane road?

In most states, yes, unless there is a physical median or barrier. Rules for divided roads vary by state.