When must you stop for a stopped school bus on a divided highway?

• A. Stop in both directions regardless of whether a barrier exists.
• B. Stop only in your direction; the opposite direction may not need to stop if there is a physical barrier.
• C. Always stop in both directions on divided highways.
• D. Never stop for a school bus on divided highways.

Answer: (B)

On a divided highway, what you must do when a school bus stops with its red lights flashing depends on whether there’s a physical barrier between the two directions of traffic. If there’s a solid barrier (like a median, wall, or guardrail) separating the directions, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction don’t have to stop. You still stop in the lane you’re in, but traffic across the barrier is not required to stop because the barrier prevents crossing and protects the children. If there’s no barrier, or if the road isn’t truly divided, vehicles in both directions must stop so the children can get on or off safely. After the bus is moving again, proceed with caution and watch for pedestrians.

So, you stop only in your direction on a divided highway when a physical barrier exists; the opposite direction may not need to stop in that case.