What must you do when a school bus has its stop arm extended?

When a school bus has its stop arm extended, it requires all traffic to stop in both directions. This law is in place to ensure the safety of children getting on and off the bus. The extended stop arm signifies that children may be crossing the road, and it is crucial for drivers to halt their vehicles to protect them. Stopping allows pedestrians to safely enter or exit the bus and minimizes the risk of accidents.

In this situation, failing to stop can lead to serious consequences, including hefty fines and placing children's safety at risk. Even if the road has multiple lanes, all vehicles must come to a complete stop when the stop arm is displayed. This rule applies in both directions on undivided roads.

It’s important to note that other choices suggest actions that would not comply with the law or could endanger children. For example, slowing down and proceeding with caution does not provide sufficient safety; passing the bus can lead to dangerous situations, and continuing to drive normally ignores the critical safety message provided by the stop arm.