When meeting a school bus with its visual signal operating, what is required by law?

When you encounter a school bus that has its visual signals operating, the law requires you to stop until the bus either proceeds or the signal device ceases to operate. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be entering or exiting the bus. Children are often unpredictable, and this law helps to minimize the risk of accidents by allowing them to cross the road safely.

The requirement to stop is crucial regardless of the direction you are approaching the bus from; it applies to vehicles traveling in both directions unless there is a physical barrier separating the lanes. This law is strictly enforced to protect vulnerable road users, primarily schoolchildren, who rely on buses for transportation. Complying with this rule not only keeps children safe but also helps reinforce community norms around child safety and responsible driving behavior.