New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a two-lane road and see a school bus stopped ahead with its red lights flashing. What is the correct action to take?
- AHonk your horn to alert children and then pass slowly.
- BProceed cautiously if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway.
- CSlow down and pass the bus carefully if there is no opposing traffic.
- DStop at least 20 feet away from the bus, regardless of your direction of travel.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus, regardless of your direction of travel.
In New York State, when a school bus stops and flashes its red lights, all traffic, regardless of the direction of travel, must stop at least 20 feet from the bus. This rule applies on all roads unless there's a physical barrier like a median on a divided highway.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Honking and passing is illegal and hazardous.
- B. This is only true if there is a physical barrier (median) separating the lanes of traffic; the question specifies a 'two-lane road', implying no such barrier.
- C. Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is illegal and extremely dangerous.
School Bus Stop Law
State law requiring all drivers to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, protecting children entering or exiting the bus.
- Stop at least 20 feet away.
- Applies to traffic in both directions on most roads.
- Only exception is a divided highway with a physical barrier.
Memory trick: Red means stop, for kids' safe hop!