On a divided highway with a physical barrier between directions, when a school bus stops with red lights flashing, do you need to stop in the opposite direction?

• A. Stop in both directions.
• B. Stop only in your direction; the opposite direction may not need to stop if there is a physical barrier.
• C. Never stop.
• D. Stop only if you are within 100 feet.

Answer: (B)

On a divided highway with a physical barrier between directions, the red lights on a school bus affect only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus. The barrier physically separates the lanes, so there’s no crossing point for children from the opposite side, and waiting traffic there isn’t required to stop. That’s why you stop in your direction to protect kids, but the opposite-direction traffic may proceed when it’s safely clear. If there were no barrier (or only a painted median), then traffic in both directions would typically have to stop to ensure children can cross safely. In this scenario, the rule lets you continue without stopping on the opposite side, while remaining cautious as you pass.