What is required of a driver when approaching a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended?

When a driver approaches a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended, the law requires the driver to stop and wait. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that children may be crossing the street, and stopping allows for a safe environment.

Failing to stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended can lead to serious consequences, including fines and points on a driver's license, as safety for children is paramount. The intention behind this regulation is to prevent accidents and ensure that children can safely enter or exit the bus without the risk of being struck by moving vehicles.

While checking for oncoming traffic is always a good practice for general driving safety, in the case of a stopped school bus, the priority is to halt until the bus resumes operation or the stop sign is retracted, regardless of the driver's position in relation to the bus.