When are you allowed to pass a school bus with its stop arm extended?

When a school bus has its stop arm extended, it is a clear indication that children are likely boarding or disembarking from the bus, and that all traffic must come to a stop. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of students. The purpose of the stop arm is to create a safe environment around the bus, which is especially critical in areas where children may cross the road.

In Ontario, traffic laws mandate that vehicles must stop when a school bus is displaying its stop arm and flashing lights, regardless of the direction from which the vehicle approaches. This requirement applies universally, meaning both oncoming and following traffic must halt to prevent any potential accidents involving children.

While certain conditions may apply on divided highways, where it may not be necessary for vehicles on the opposite side of a physical median to stop, in general circumstances defined by the presence of a stop arm, all vehicles must stop to uphold the safety of children. Therefore, the options suggesting it is permissible to pass or that specific conditions might exempt you from stopping incorrectly interpret the purpose and legal requirements of school bus safety measures.