Under what conditions must other drivers stop for a Massachusetts school bus on a multi-lane road?

• A. When the bus displays red lights and stop arm
• B. Only when there is traffic in the opposite lane
• C. Only if a child is crossing
• D. When the bus is turning

Answer: (A)

Red lights flashing with the stop arm extended mean every driver must stop, and that applies on a multi-lane road too. The signal is a clear safety cue indicating that children are getting on or off the bus, so traffic in all lanes must pause to keep them safe. It isn’t about whether there’s traffic in the opposite direction, whether a child is crossing, or whether the bus is turning—the stop signal itself requires the halt. When you see it, stop back far enough for kids to cross safely and wait until the lights are off and the stop arm retracts before proceeding.