When is it required to stop for a school bus?

Stopping for a school bus is essential for ensuring the safety of children getting on or off the bus. The requirement to stop when the bus has its stop sign extended and its red lights flashing is enforced because these indicators signify that children are either getting off or boarding the bus.

When the lights are activated and the stop sign is deployed, it serves as a visual alert for drivers to halt their vehicles, regardless of the direction from which they are approaching. This rule applies universally across multiple road configurations, not just on two-way streets, making it vital for drivers to be vigilant when they see a school bus. Compliance with this regulation protects students and helps prevent accidents in busy areas where children might be crossing the road.

Understanding this rule is crucial for responsible driving and for promoting a safe environment around school zones. The other scenarios mentioned in the other choices do not provide sufficient reasons to warrant stopping, highlighting the importance of recognizing the specific signals provided by the school bus.