When are drivers required to stop for a school bus in Ontario?

Drivers in Ontario are required to stop for a school bus when the bus has its stop sign extended. This regulation is designed to ensure the safety of children who are boarding or disembarking from the bus. When the stop sign is extended, it indicates that children may be crossing or near the bus, and stopping is essential to prevent accidents.

The requirement to stop for a school bus applies regardless of the direction of travel, unless the road is divided by a physical barrier. In such cases, oncoming traffic must stop, while vehicles on the opposite side of a divided road might not be required to stop. However, if you are approaching from the opposite direction on a non-divided roadway, it is crucial to stop whenever the bus has its safety features activated to protect children.

This regulation emphasizes the importance of vigilance when driving in the vicinity of school buses, as many children are counting on drivers to obey these traffic laws for their safety.