Under what circumstances must you stop for school buses?

You must stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended. This means that the bus is actively loading or unloading children, and it is critical for the safety of those children that vehicles coming from either direction come to a complete stop. The extended stop sign and flashing red lights serve as clear signals that it is not safe to proceed, and stopping helps ensure that all children can cross the street safely without the risk of being struck by a vehicle.

In contexts where the yellow lights are on, it indicates that the bus is preparing to stop, but you do not need to stop immediately. The presence of children visible is not a requirement for you to stop; the proper signals from the bus are the definitive indicators. Simply being present on the road with a school bus does not necessitate stopping; the signals dictate the action. Understanding these rules helps ensure the safety of children while they are boarding or exiting the school bus, fostering a safer road environment for everyone.