Stopping for school bus?

Question

When a school bus is stopped--red lights on--on a four-lane road (not divided), does opposing traffic have to stop? I see some people stop, and others just go.

I live in Ohio. I stop anyway just to be on the safe side.

Answer 1

Hi Alexandra,

I see this question a lot! You were smart to reveal that you live in Ohio, because this law can vary from state to state and in different countries.

It's funny and amusing how the answers are all over the board on this one. It just goes to show you that very few actually know what the law says. First let me compliment you on erring on the side of caution and stopping for a bus on the opposite side of a four lane road. I had faced the same dilemma before myself and I also wondered if I had to stop. (And I also live in Ohio) One time, not long after I did stop in this situation, the driver of the bus actually waved me on. So I checked into it with some law enforcement friends of mine...

It may surprise many, but "lookin_...", "moncalvini", and "Mr.Knowitall" have it absolutely correct. You do not have to stop on a four lane road if you are traveling in the opposite direction. The road does not have to have a center lane or be a divided highway. If it's 4 lanes or more with 2-way traffic. You are okay to proceed with caution. (This is because it is also ILLEGAL for the children to cross in front on the bus when the road has 4 or more lanes.) The BMV site is a bit confusing because it implies more than one roadway, but the actual ORC defines it rather well. See section 4511.75, paragraphs (c), and (d). C-Permits traffic in oposite direction to proceed and D-Limits the taking on and discharge of passengers to the side of the road the bus stops on.

Between you, me, and the rest of the 1 million + people who participate on this site, I'd still slow way down for this situation.

Thanks again for asking and being specific about where you lived so we could give you good answers.

Be safe. God Bless.

Answer 2

I live in Ohio and ride a bus everyday. We live off of a 4 lane road. Fortunately, I do not have to exit there. But we have a few stops along that road and the kids are not allowed to cross the street. They have to use the crosswalks.

I have noticed that some cars stop, must most do not on the 4 lane road. I have even seen police cars around and they have never pulled anyone over.

Does that help?

Answer 3

I am not sure about other states, but, in Wisconsin if the highway is not divided, the opposing traffic must stop if the bus is stopped to pick up or discharge passengers. The reason is that it is possible that those passengers may have to cross the road to get to their home. Most of the time bus drivers try to avoid this and discharge only to the right on a four lane highway.

Answer 4

Each year, the Ohio State Highway Patrol observes National School Bus Safety Week, this year the dates are from October 16 through 22. This year’s theme, “Flashing Red Means Stop Ahead,” reminds motorists that they are required to stop for stopped school buses that are displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Motorists approaching from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from a stopped school bus until the bus resumes motion. If a school bus is stopped on a road divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Answer 5

No you do not have to stop. The bus isn't allowed to let kids cross a 4 lane road. You can cause an accident stopping in traffic that way.....go to your local DMV and pick up a copy of the road rules......No wonder my insurance is so high....drivers like you.....This is from the OHIO BMV HAND- BOOK

School Buses: Upon meeting or overtaking any bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children or people with disabilities, all drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of the bus and may not proceed until such bus resumes motion or the driver is signaled to proceed by the school bus driver.

If driving on a 4-lane roadway, the driver need not stop if on the other roadway.

Answer 6

When the fold out stop sign is flipped open then all lanes on that side with the bus have to stop including the opposite side of traffic because it means the kids are going to cross the street.....if no flip out sign is opened but just the flashing lights than just the only closest lane to the bus has to stop and the rest of the lanes may continue

Answer 7

The answer to this important question is rather straight forward, you are not required to stop on the ooppoiste side of a four lane (or more) highway. Please note the link below for more specific language on the topic.

That said, depending on the conditions (traffic behind you, the level of use, etc.) I can't disagree with showing some caution and if the setting is appropriate, even stopping.

Answer 8

If the road is not divided, traffic both ways must stop until the lights stop flashing. On a divided highway, traffic the other side of the divide does not have to stop. The person that posted the link relied on the following. "If driving on a 4-lane roadway, the driver need not stop if on the other roadway" If the road is not divided, there is no other roadway is there?

Answer 9

Anytime redlights are flashing on a school bus and that stop sign comes out both sides of the street must stop, you must treat it as a red light. Just becuase some people are careless and stupid and want to plow through let them. The reason being is if one of those kids lives across the street and darts across that street unexpectantly and if your barreling through with red lights flashing and you hit a kid, guess where your going, thats right prison for the next five years. Plus if a cop catches you it's a ticket. So your doing the right thing by stopping don't worry about the people around you or behind you.

Answer 10

I think if the road is not divided you have to stop. If it were two lanes you would, so four lanes should not make a difference. If it is divided in the middle than you don;t have to stop