New York DMV Permit Written TestRules of the Road and Traffic LawsMedium
You are driving on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) and see a school bus stopped ahead with its red lights flashing. The bus is on the opposite side of the road. What is your legal obligation?
- AYou may proceed cautiously without stopping, as you are on the opposite side of a two-lane road.
- BYou must stop, as all traffic, regardless of direction, must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
- CYou should slow down and be prepared to stop, but stopping is not mandatory unless children are crossing.
- DYou must stop if there is a physical barrier separating the roadways, otherwise you may proceed.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. You must stop, as all traffic, regardless of direction, must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
In New York State, all traffic, regardless of direction, must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane road. The only exception is if there is a divided highway with a physical barrier or median separating the roadways.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. The rule for two-lane roads requires all traffic to stop, even if on the opposite side.
- C. Stopping is mandatory, not merely a recommendation or conditional on seeing children crossing, when red lights are flashing.
- D. This exception (physical barrier) applies to multi-lane divided highways, not a standard two-lane road.
School Bus Stop Law (Two-Lane Road)
On a two-lane road in New York State, all vehicles traveling in either direction must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.
- Applies to all traffic, regardless of direction.
- Mandatory stop when red lights are flashing.
- Do not proceed until the red lights are off and the bus starts moving.
Memory trick: Red lights on a bus mean EVERYONE stops, unless a median divides.