USA Bus Lines

Do I have to stop for a school bus if I`m on the other side of the double lines?

When a school bus`s stop sign is flashing on a road way. Because its unloading children, do all traffic need to stop? Even when there is a double line?

Public Comments

1. If there is 2 lanes of traffic both ways the one in the opposite direction does NOT have to stop
2. yes you do, the only time you dont have to is when there is a divideing wall between you and the the other side of road.
3. Yes. That is the law. Children do silly things and may drop something like a ball and go after it. It will not delay you that much to stop.
4. Yes, you always stop for a school bus when the sign is flashing. Both sides of the street have to.
5. yes, because the kids might have to cross the street.
6. Yes, there could be children going to and from the bus in any direction.
7. yes unless separated by a medium, ie concrete barrier, or grass with guard rails
8. if it is a two lane road where one lane is for each direction then the answer is yes(at least here in ny).but if it a divided highway the answer would be no. or if it is a four lane highway (divided )the answer is no.it may vary from state to state check with your DMV. but i think it is that way for most.
9. I think so. A double line is not going to prevent a pre-schooler from walking out from behind the bus and right into your path. It's the law in most states to stop regardless when the lights are flashing. But even if it's not, I'd rather stop than risk the alternative.
10. I can't speak for where you live, but in Florida, the law says you do have to stop, unless there is a 7-foot or greater median strip between oncoming traffic.
11. In TX, the only reason that oncoming traffic doesn't have to stop is if there is a PHYSICAL BARRIER between the two directions of traffic. In your case (the double line), YES, you must stop.
12. yes unless it is divided highway
13. Yes you do. A child could be having to cross the street after he leaves the bus. Everybody must stop.
14. yes you do ;as some children have been known to run across the street;to get home or to get on the bus..i;m a mom ;and i see kids running across streets;not looking ;to get on the bus...it;s for everyone;s safety;and it only take a minute or two........
15. Four lane highway ,no. Even though you will see others stoping. The double lines has nothing to do with it. A school bus is not aloud to have a child cross a four lane.Two lane highway you must stop double lines or not. State of Ohio law.
16. YES! except on a highway... i saw on the news some old lady did that and started a huge car pile up and lots of people died...
17. Yes. Review your driver's manual for your state. The red flashing lights/stop sign on a school bus is to allow children to cross the street, and that means BOTH directions are supposed to stop.
18. yup
19. Many have stated "Yes", because it is the law and that is true. However, the real issue is why is this the law. It's for the kids safety NOT if it is convenient to you driving the vehicle or not! Let's try another scenario. Let's say that you come to a marked cross walk and there are children present. Do you continue through the cross walk because you have the "right-of-way" or should you defer to them for their potential safety. The answer to this question goes far beyond what the law states! Be safe for their sake not if it's convenient to you or not!!!
20. Yes, in my younger sisters driving manual it says you must stop 25 ft behind/before a school bus when its lights are flashing red.
21. ohio law is: if on a 2 lane road, 1 lane each direction, all traffic is to stop. if it is a divided highway; 2 lanes going in each direction, the 2 lanes the bus is on is to stop. the opposite lanes are still free and clear to continue. ohio law makes no mention of; double yellow, barrier, or median in relation to school buses.