When approaching a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway with flashing red lights in California, you must:
Stop at least 25 feet away and wait for the lights to stop.
The stopping distance is not 25 feet, and the rule for divided highways differs from undivided roads.
You are not required to stop if there is a median separating the highway.
Slow down to 15 mph and proceed with extreme caution.
No state allows passing an active school bus at reduced speed; you must either stop or the exception applies.
Come to a complete stop only if children are currently crossing.
The law applies to flashing red lights, not visual confirmation of children.
Under California Vehicle Code §22454(b), drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway — where a median or physical barrier separates lanes — are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. On any two-lane or undivided road, you must stop from either direction.
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