New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesMedium
You are driving on a two-lane road and notice a school bus ahead with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. What is the correct procedure?
- AStop at least 20 feet away from the bus, regardless of your direction of travel.
- BProceed if there is a median or barrier separating your direction of travel from the bus.
- CSlow down and pass the bus carefully if no children are visible.
- DStop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus, regardless of your direction of travel.
In New York State, on a two-lane road, you must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, regardless of your direction of travel.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This exception (for medians/barriers) applies only to multi-lane roads with physical separation, not a standard two-lane road.
- C. Passing a school bus with flashing red lights and stop arm extended is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- D. This is incorrect; on a two-lane road, all traffic must stop, regardless of direction.
School Bus Stop Law (NY)
New York State traffic law requiring drivers to stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
- Stop at least 20 feet away.
- Applies to all traffic on a two-lane road.
- Exception for physical dividers on multi-lane roads.
Memory trick: Red lights flash, stop arm out, 20 feet, no doubt.