When is it not necessary to stop for a school bus?

It is not necessary to stop for a school bus if it is on the other side of a divided highway. Divided highways are designed with a physical barrier or median that separates traffic traveling in opposite directions. In this scenario, vehicles on the opposite side of the highway are not expected to stop because the safety of the children being picked up or dropped off is assured by the separation of lanes. This regulation aims to balance the need for safety for school children with the flow of traffic, particularly on busy roads.

Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must always stop when the bus is displaying its stop sign and flashing lights, as it indicates that children are entering or exiting the bus. However, those on the opposite side, protected by a divided highway, are permitted to continue driving safely without stopping.