How far must a vehicle stop from a school bus when the stop arm is extended?

When a school bus has its stop arm extended and the red lights are flashing, it indicates that children are either boarding or disembarking from the bus. The law requires vehicles to stop a minimum of 20 feet away from the bus in order to ensure the safety of the children. This distance provides a secure buffer zone, allowing children ample space to cross the street or wait safely without the risk of being near moving vehicles. Stopping at least 20 feet also gives drivers adequate time to observe the surroundings and react to any unexpected behavior by children. Adhering to this requirement is critical for maintaining the safety protocols set for school transportation.