When are you required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?

The requirement to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is crucial for ensuring the safety of children getting on and off the bus. When a school bus is displaying its flashing red lights, all vehicles must come to a complete stop, regardless of the number of lanes on the roadway.

The correct situation regarding the stopping requirement occurs when there is no physical separation, such as a median, that would allow vehicles to pass without endangering children. In scenarios where a median or barrier is present, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are not required to stop. This exception is based on the understanding that the median provides a protective barrier between oncoming traffic and the children near the bus.

Thus, it's essential to adhere to these rules to prioritize safety. Recognizing that you must stop unless a physical separation exists is a key point for drivers in Washington State, highlighting the importance of being attentive to school bus signals at all times.