USA Bus Lines

Not stopping behind a school bus with flashing yellow lights?

Is it illegal not to stop when the school bus is still moving and has flashing yellow lights? I know that you have to stop when the bus stops and its red lights are flashing, but not yellow lights and when it's still moving. Am I wrong?

Public Comments

1. Not illegal but definitely not recommended either. The flashing lights on some buses are tied into the turn signals. If the bus driver has activated his lamps and his left turn signal you could be in for a nasty surprise if you pass.
2. I believe the yellow light is a signal saying that you should get ready because the bus will go on red and all the drivers have to stop at that moment.
3. If you are travelling in the same direction YES it is illegal. However it is ONLY illegal if you are travelling on the other side of the road and you don't stop if you have an undivided highway.
4. You should SLOW DOWN, but you don't have to stop. Although if you are BEHIND the bus(which to mean means you'd have to be attempting to pass it) then yeah you need to stop.
5. If the red lights are not flashing, then it is legal to pass a school bus. If the yellow lights are flashing, it is legal to pass the school bus, but you should proceed with caution if the yellow lights are on as this signals that the red lights will come soon, and especially if you're facing the same direction as the school bus, if passing when the yellow lights are flashing, be prepared to stop in case the red lights come on and the stop sign pops out.
6. I am a school bus driver. Technically it is legal to go through the yellow lights. HOWEVER I would not recommend it. The reason? Many kids will start crossing the road before the red lights come on. (They are told not to but since when do kids listen) How would you feel if you hit a kid? Also really are you in that much of a hurry you can't wait a minute or 2 and make sure it's safe? If so you are too busy period.