Stopping for school buses

Key points

1. When a stopped school bus flashes its red lights, traffic from either direction must stop before reaching it, even at the school and in school parking lots.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

2. Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

3. You can identify a school bus by its SCHOOL BUS sign, the red lights on top and its yellow orange color.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You can identify this bus by a "SCHOOL BUS" sign, the red lights on the top, and its unique yellow orange color.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

4. Flashing yellow lights near the roof mean the bus is about to stop, so slow down and be prepared to stop.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “Before a school bus stops to load or discharge passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights which are located on the front and back of the bus near the roof. When you see them, decrease speed and be prepared to stop.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

5. Stay stopped until the bus moves again or the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you can go.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “When you stop for a school bus, you cannot drive again until the bus starts moving again or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you can proceed.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

6. You must stop even if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

7. After stopping, look for children along the road and drive slowly until you have passed them.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “After you stop for a school bus, look for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until you have passed them.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

8. The fine for passing a stopped school bus runs from $250 for a first violation up to $1,000 for 3 violations in 3 years.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “The fine when you pass a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

9. 3 convictions for passing a school bus within 3 years revoke your license for at least 6 months.

   Source: Chapter 6

   “If you are convicted of three of these violations in three years, your driver license will be revoked for a minimum of six months.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. A school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on an undivided New York road. How far away should approaching traffic stop?

   1. At least 20 feet from the bus
   2. At least 50 feet from the bus
   3. Only behind the nearest intersection
   4. At least 5 feet from the bus
   Show answer

   At least 20 feet from the bus. When a stopped school bus flashes red lights, traffic from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away. Five feet leaves too little space for children and the bus, while 50 feet is not the distance specified by this rule. Waiting behind an intersection is also not a substitute for stopping before reaching the bus. The roadside cue is red lights plus the school bus: stop 20 feet back and remain there until the bus moves or a driver or traffic officer signals you forward.

2. 2. How can a New York driver identify a stopped school bus?

   1. By its SCHOOL BUS sign, red roof lights, and yellow-orange color
   2. By a blue roof light and a white body
   3. By a green license plate and a siren
   4. By a flashing headlight and a black stripe
   Show answer

   By its SCHOOL BUS sign, red roof lights, and yellow-orange color. A stopped New York school bus can be identified by its SCHOOL BUS sign, the red lights on top, and its distinctive yellow-orange color. These cues matter because traffic approaching from either direction must stop when the bus is stopped and its red lights are flashing. A blue light, green plate, siren, or black stripe is not the identifying combination described in the manual. Scan ahead for the bus shape and its warning lights, then prepare to stop at least 20 feet away. The strongest memory cue is the sign, red lights, and yellow-orange body together.

3. 3. A New York school bus is stopped with flashing red lights. What must drivers do?

   1. Pass slowly if no child is visible
   2. Stop and remain stopped while the red lights flash
   3. Change lanes and continue at the posted speed
   4. Stop only when the bus is on the opposite shoulder
   Show answer

   Stop and remain stopped while the red lights flash. Flashing red school-bus lights require a stop, not merely a reduction in speed. The driver must remain stopped while the bus is loading or unloading and the red lights continue to operate. A child may be hidden from view, so the absence of a visible pedestrian does not authorize passing. Changing lanes also fails to address the stop requirement. The roadside cue is the bus's red lighting: stop well before it, watch for the lights to stop, and proceed only when the situation is safe.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Passing. 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.