When do you have to stop for a school bus in New York?
A school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing on the opposite side of a divided highway. What must you do in New York?
The answer
Stop. New York requires traffic approaching from either direction to stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, and the DMV manual says this includes the opposite side of a divided highway. Stay at least 20 feet back.
Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1174(a) requires a driver meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus with its red signal operating, from either direction, to stop before reaching the bus. You may not go until the bus moves again or a driver or police officer signals you to proceed.
The DMV Driver's Manual adds the 20-foot stopping distance and states plainly that you must stop even if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway. Flashing yellow lights mean the bus will probably stop soon, so slow down and get ready to stop.
Exceptions
- The statute text read does not list a divided-highway exception; the DMV manual says to stop anyway.
- You may proceed once the bus moves again or a bus driver or police officer signals you to go.
Penalty
Under section 1174(c), a first conviction carries a fine of $250 to $400, up to 30 days in jail, or both. A second violation within three years is $600 to $750 and/or up to 180 days; a third or later within three years is $750 to $1,500 and/or up to 180 days.
Why this rule matters for safety
Children get on and off school buses and often cross the road near them. Stopping until the bus moves again or you are signaled to go protects anyone crossing.
Official sources
- NY Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1174 · New York State SenateSubdivision (a) duty to stop from either direction, and subdivision (c) penalties. Version read is the current text shown by the Senate site.
- Driver's Manual, Chapter 6: Passing · NYS Department of Motor VehiclesSchool Buses section: 20 foot stopping distance, divided highway statement, flashing yellow warning. Page shows no revision date.
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New York agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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