Indiana motorists are required to stop when a school bus is stopped to pick up children and has its stop arm out. We have found there’s some confusion about who is required to stop at those stop arms.

All Lanes Of Traffic Must Stop

All lanes of traffic in both directions are required to stop whenever a school bus stop arm is out and the bus is picking up or dropping off children. This applies regardless of how wide the highway or the roadway is.

Here’s An Example

For example, let’s look at a five-lane highway with two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. In that case, all five lanes are required to stop when a school bus is pulled over to the side of the road, has a stop arm out and is picking up children.

The Only Exception

There is just one exception: the only time opposing traffic is not required to stop at a school bus stop arm is when there is a divided barrier, such as a median or a concrete barrier separating the two directions of traffic. And even then, the statute still requires that opposing motorists proceed slowly with due care for the presence of any children.

As always, stay safe and enjoy the ride.