What should you do if you see a school bus with its stop sign extended?

When you encounter a school bus with its stop sign extended, the correct action is to stop regardless of your direction. This rule is in place to protect children who may be getting on or off the bus. School buses are equipped with these signals to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly young children, who may unexpectedly cross the street.

Stopping for a school bus helps to create a safe environment around the bus while children embark or disembark. Motorists must remain vigilant and comply with traffic laws that mandate stopping for school buses with their stop signs displayed. This includes vehicles approaching the bus from both directions, unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median, separating the lanes of traffic, where specific additional rules may apply.

Understanding the importance of this law reinforces the need for caution around school zones and bus stops, as the safety of children is a priority. Ignoring this rule by continuing to drive or attempting to pass while the stop sign is extended puts children at risk and can result in significant penalties for the driver.