School buses and required stops

Key points

1. Stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights from either direction until it moves or the lights stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “When meeting or overtaking, from either direction, a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. The driver shall not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

2. You may pass only if a physical barrier or separate roadway separates you from the bus, and then with extreme caution.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “You may pass a school bus with activated flashing red lights, only if there is a physical barrier or separate roadways between your vehicle and the school bus. You MUST use extreme caution, however, watching for pedestrians.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

3. On an undivided two or four lane highway, traffic both ways must stop; on a divided road, only the bus's side stops.

   Source: Handbook p. 51

   “On a two or four lane undivided highway, vehicles going each direction must stop when a school bus stops. SCHOOL BUS STOP However, on divided roadway, only vehicles on the same side of the separation as the bus must stop.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 51

4. Stop before the crosswalk at stop signs, red lights and flashing red lights.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Before the crosswalk at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red lights;”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

5. Stop when entering a street from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “When entering a street from a driveway, alley, building, or parking lot”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

6. A police officer's directions outweigh traffic lights or signs.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “A police officer’s directions outweigh traffic lights or signs;”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

7. Stop for flashing red lights or crossing gates at a railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “For flashing red lights or crossing gates at a railroad crossing;”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 50

8. A slow moving vehicle symbol means the vehicle cannot go faster than 25 mph.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “It means the vehicle cannot travel faster than 25 miles per hour.”
   Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 71

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wyoming practice test

1. 1. On a divided roadway, which vehicles must stop when a school bus stops with flashing red lights?

   1. Only vehicles on the same side of the separation as the bus
   2. Vehicles in every lane on both sides of the roadway
   3. Only vehicles directly behind the bus
   4. Only vehicles next to the bus after its stop arm is fully extended
   Show answer

   Only vehicles on the same side of the separation as the bus. On a divided roadway, the stop requirement applies to vehicles traveling on the same side of the separation as the stopped school bus. Traffic on the opposite side is treated differently from traffic on an undivided road, where both directions must stop. The bus being on a public road does not erase the duty for nearby same-side drivers. Watch the red lights, stop as required, and remain alert for children.

2. 2. On an undivided highway, what must traffic in both directions do when a school bus stops with flashing red lights?

   1. Continue if traveling toward the front of the bus
   2. Stop for the bus
   3. Stop only when directly behind the bus
   4. Pass slowly if no child is visible
   Show answer

   Stop for the bus. On an undivided highway, Wyoming requires vehicles traveling in both directions to stop for a school bus that has stopped with flashing red lights. The driver may proceed only after the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer activated, while still watching for pedestrians. Direction of travel on an undivided road does not create an exception. The divided-road rule is different, so first identify whether a physical barrier or separate roadway separates your vehicle from the bus.

3. 3. What does the slow-moving vehicle symbol on the back of a vehicle warn you to do?

   
   1. Pass immediately because the vehicle must leave the road
   2. Slow down because the vehicle cannot travel faster than 25 mph
   3. Follow closely because the vehicle is accelerating
   4. Assume it can travel up to 35 mph before you pass
   Show answer

   Slow down because the vehicle cannot travel faster than 25 mph. The slow-moving vehicle symbol warns that the vehicle ahead cannot travel faster than 25 miles per hour. It has a legal right to use the road, so impatience is not a reason to pass without checking safety. Following closely removes reaction space, and the symbol does not require a stop at every intersection. Reduce speed, remain patient, and pass only when visibility, markings, and opposing traffic make the movement lawful and safe.

Source: the Wyoming Rules of the Road Driver License Manual, Rules of 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.