Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

When are you required to stop for a school bus displaying red lights and a stop sign?

1. When there are no lanes on the road

2. When the bus is unloading passengers

3. When the road has only one lane

4. When the road has 3 or more lanes, a barrier, or a median

The correct answer is: When the road has 3 or more lanes, a barrier, or a median

The requirement to stop for a school bus displaying red lights and a stop sign is based on how the road is structured and whether it provides a separate lane or barrier for oncoming traffic. When a school bus has its stop sign extended and lights flashing, it indicates that children are either boarding or alighting from the bus. If the road has three or more lanes with a median or barrier, vehicles on the opposite side of the bus do not have to stop, as the physical separation minimizes the risk of children crossing the road in front of oncoming traffic. However, vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must always come to a complete stop until the bus has deactivated its lights and retracted the stop sign. The emphasis is on ensuring the safety of children by preventing any vehicles from passing the bus under these circumstances. In contrast, on roads with fewer lanes or no barriers, all vehicles are required to stop, regardless of the direction of travel. This highlights the importance of adjusting your stopping behavior based on the road's configuration to ensure safety for everyone involved.