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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-school-bus-red-lights

What must you do when a stopped school bus has flashing red lights?

Stop and stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing.

  1. Stop and stay stopped until the red lights stop ✔
  2. Slow down and pass carefully
  3. Pass on the left if no children are in sight

Why: Flashing red lights mean children are getting on or off. On a two-lane road, traffic from both directions must stop. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves or the driver signals.

Huh, didn't know that: Divided highways differ by state: California lets traffic on the other side keep going, but New York requires it to stop.

The dad joke
Why did the school bus get straight A's? It always stopped at the right times!
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References

Answer: Stop and stay stopped until the red lights stop. Flashing red lights mean children are getting on or off. On a two-lane road, traffic from both directions must stop. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves or the driver signals.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1
    When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top, front, and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Passing dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-6-passing
    You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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