Pedestrians, emergency vehicles and school buses

Key points

1. Where there is no signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “When there is no traffic signal, you must stop for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

2. You may not pass any vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “You may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

3. For an emergency vehicle using signals, move to the edge, stay out of intersections and stay stopped until it passes.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “Move as close as possible to the edge of the road. Stay out of intersections, and Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

4. Do not pass an emergency vehicle using its signals in your direction unless it stops or an officer tells you to.

   Source: Handbook p. 37

   “you may not pass it unless it stops or a police officer tells you to pass it.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 37

5. Behind a school bus stopped with flashing red lights, stop at least 20 feet from its back.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Stop at least 20 feet from the back of the school bus, if you are behind it.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 38

6. Wait until the bus moves or turns off its flashing red lights before you go.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “You may not start moving again until the school bus starts moving or turns off its flashing red lights.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

7. On a multi lane road divided by a physical barrier, you do not stop for a bus on the other side.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “If you are on a multiple lane road divided by a physical barrier, do not stop if the bus is on the other side of the barrier.”
   Maryland Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Maryland practice test

1. 1. An ambulance using its siren and flashing lights is traveling ahead of you in your direction. When may you pass it?

   1. Whenever the passing lane is clear
   2. Only if it stops or a police officer tells you to pass
   3. When it slows below the speed limit
   4. Never under any circumstances
   Show answer

   Only if it stops or a police officer tells you to pass. Emergency vehicles using their sirens and flashing lights have the right-of-way. If you are going in the same direction as one, Maryland says you may not pass it unless it stops or a police officer tells you to pass. A clear lane or a slower emergency vehicle does not create permission. The rule is not an absolute ban, because those two exceptions exist. When an emergency vehicle approaches you, move as close as possible to the edge of the road, stay out of intersections, and remain stopped until it has passed.

2. 2. A school bus with flashing red lights is stopped on an undivided Maryland road, and you are approaching it from the front. Where must you stop?

   1. At least 10 feet from the front of the bus
   2. You do not need to stop when facing the bus
   3. At least 50 feet from the front of the bus
   4. At least 20 feet from the front of the bus
   Show answer

   At least 20 feet from the front of the bus. When a school bus stops on the road with its flashing red lights on, Maryland requires drivers on both sides to stop. A driver behind the bus stops at least 20 feet from its back, and a driver in front of the bus stops at least 20 feet from its front. Facing the bus does not excuse you; the only exception is a multiple lane road divided by a physical barrier with the bus on the other side. Ten feet is too close, and 50 feet is not the stated distance. Stay stopped until the bus starts moving or turns off its red lights.

3. 3. You are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches using its siren and flashing lights. What should you do?

   1. Turn around and drive against traffic to clear a path
   2. Stop where you are in the intersection immediately
   3. Follow the emergency vehicle through the intersection
   4. Move toward the edge, stay out of intersections, and remain stopped until it passes
   Show answer

   Move toward the edge, stay out of intersections, and remain stopped until it passes. Emergency vehicles using their signals have priority, but a driver should not create a blockage by stopping in the intersection. Move as close as possible to the road edge, keep out of the intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Stopping in the middle would obstruct its route. Following it could place you in danger, and driving against traffic introduces a separate collision risk. If you are already committed to the intersection, clear it safely first, then take the required position at the edge and wait.

Source: the Maryland Driver's Manual, Section 7: Sharing the Road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.