You are driving straight on a four-lane undivided roadway during morning arrival hours and approaching an intersection. In the opposing left-turn lane, a school bus has stopped and activated its alternating flashing amber (yellow) lights. At the same time, you observe active flashing yellow beacons above a posted 20 mph school zone sign located just beyond the intersection. Which of the following describes your legal obligations regarding speed and stopping as you proceed?
- Slow down to prepare for an impending complete stop when the bus switches to red lights, and immediately reduce your speed to 20 mph or lower for the school zone.Answer
- BBring your vehicle to an immediate complete stop prior to entering the intersection because yellow flashing lights on a school bus carry the same legal requirement as flashing red lights.
- CMaintain your current normal speed until the school bus completely activates its red lights, at which point the school zone speed limit also becomes active.
- DProceed through the intersection at normal speed without stopping because vehicles traveling straight on multi-lane roadways are exempt from school bus stop laws.
Answer
Slow down to prepare for an impending complete stop when the bus switches to red lights, and immediately reduce your speed to 20 mph or lower for the school zone.
Flashing amber (yellow) overhead lights on a school bus inform drivers that the vehicle is preparing to stop, signaling motorists to slow down and prepare to stop. Simultaneously, active flashing beacons above a school zone sign establish an immediate legal requirement to reduce speed to the posted limit (20 mph). Combining these obligations requires reducing speed to 20 mph while preparing for a full stop if the bus engages its red lights.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Dual compliance with school bus amber warning lights and active school zone speed regulations on undivided highways.