New York school buses: stop 20 feet away, even across a divided highway

New York’s handbook requires traffic approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights from either direction to stop at least 20 feet away. This includes traffic on the opposite side of a divided highway.

A divider does not remove the stop

Both directions stop in all three layouts. Proceed only when the bus moves or its driver or a traffic officer permits it; check for children and pass slowly. Select the image to enlarge it. Original study diagram based on official guidance.

Identify the bus lights first

The handbook explains that flashing yellow lights warn that the bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and prepare to stop. When the red lights flash and the bus is stopped, apply the stopping rule. Check the light color and whether the bus has stopped before choosing your action.

Both directions means both sides

Stop when following the bus and when approaching it from the opposite direction, including on the opposite side of a divided highway. A median or multiple lanes does not remove New York’s stopping requirement.

The rule applies on all New York roadways, including in front of schools and in school parking lots. Vehicles transporting people with disabilities may be equipped as school buses; stop for them under the same conditions.

When may you proceed?

The handbook says you may proceed when the bus begins moving, or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals that you can proceed. Before moving, check in front of, behind and beside the bus for children. Even when the driver signals you through, remain alert and drive slowly until you have passed the children.

Compare three study scenarios

Situation	New York response
Following a stopped bus with flashing red lights	Stop at least 20 feet away.
Opposite direction, including across a divided highway	Stop at least 20 feet away.
Flashing yellow bus warning lights	Slow and prepare to stop.

If you drive in another state, review that state’s rule separately. For example, New Jersey’s school-bus guide covers a different stopping distance and divided-highway rule.

Make the state part of the memory

Write “NY — both directions — divided highway included — 20 feet” alongside the official reference. Then explain the situation in your own words. Do not keep a bare number in a shared list without the state and conditions. Use the study plan to review sharing-the-road topics together.

Official references

NY DMV Chapter 6: Passing, school-bus section, and School Bus Safety.