When are you not required to stop for a school bus with flashing lights?

You are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing lights when driving on the opposite side of a divided highway. This is due to the physical separation provided by the median or barrier that divides traffic moving in opposite directions, which enhances safety for both the bus passengers and the drivers on the other side. The law recognizes that vehicles on a divided highway are not in direct proximity to the stopped bus, allowing traffic on that side to continue moving without stopping.

In contrast, options involving a single lane highway or situations within residential areas generally require drivers to stop for school buses, as these settings often have pedestrians and other vehicles in closer proximity, increasing the likelihood of danger. Additionally, if the bus is not in motion, it is not actively loading or unloading students, so stopping is unnecessary in that scenario as well. Each condition highlights the need for heightened awareness regarding the safety of children boarding and exiting school buses within certain environments.