What must you do when approaching a school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended on an undivided highway?

• A. Proceed slowly without stopping if you are in a hurry.
• B. Honk to warn the bus and pass cautiously.
• C. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn, unless directed to proceed by a peace officer.
• D. Stop only if you are in the same lane as the bus.

Answer: (C)

When you see red lights flashing and the stop arm extended on an undivided highway, you must come to a complete stop. All traffic in both directions is required to stop, not just the lane you’re in, and you must stay stopped until the bus turns off the red lights and retracts the stop arm. You may proceed only if a peace officer directs you to go.

This rule exists to protect children as they load or unload from the bus, and to give them time to cross safely. Honking, creeping by, or trying to pass is dangerous and not allowed. Remember, the requirement to stop in both directions applies specifically to undivided highways; on divided highways with a barrier, traffic in the opposite direction typically doesn’t have to stop, but that does not apply to the scenario described.