In Arizona, when must you stop for a school bus?

In Arizona, the requirement to stop for a school bus is clearly defined to protect children as they board or exit the bus. When a school bus activates its red lights and extends its stop arm, it signals to all drivers that they must stop. This is crucial because the presence of the stop sign and red lights indicates that children may be crossing the street or are in the vicinity of the bus, thus creating a potential hazard.

Stopping for a bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended is not only a legal requirement in Arizona, but also a safety measure designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of children. It is important for all drivers to adhere strictly to this rule, regardless of the direction they are coming from, unless they are on a divided highway.

While the yellow lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop, it's the red lights and stop arm that necessitate a full stop. Furthermore, stopping only when children are present or when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway does not comply with the law. On a divided highway, there are specific rules that may allow for certain exceptions, but stopping for the red lights and extended stop arm remains a non-negotiable requirement everywhere else.