School Bus Signals and Stops
Vehicle Code: 22112
(a) On approach to a school bus stop where pupils are loading or unloading from a school bus, the school bus driver shall activate an approved amber warning light system, if the school bus is so equipped, beginning 200 feet before the school bus stop. The school bus driver shall activate the amber warning light system after reaching the school bus stop. The school bus driver shall operate the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the school bus, at all times when the school bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils. The flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any place where traffic is controlled by a traffic officer or at any location identified in subdivision (e) of this section. The school bus flashing red light signal system, amber warning lights system, and stop signal arm shall not be operated at any other time.
(b) The school bus driver shall stop to load or unload pupils only at a school bus stop designated for pupils by the School District Superintendent or authorized by the Superintendent for school activity trips.
(c) When a school bus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer, the driver shall, before opening the door, ensure that the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm are activated, and that it is safe to enter or exit the school bus.
(d) When a school bus is stopped on a highway or private road for the purpose of loading or unloading pupils, at a location where traffic is not controlled by a traffic officer or official traffic control signal, the school bus driver shall do all of the following:
- Escort all pupils in pre-kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 8, inclusive, who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the school bus is stopped. The driver shall use an approved hand-held “STOP” sign while escorting all pupils.
- Require all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the school bus is stopped to walk in front of the bus as they cross.
- Ensure that all pupils who need to cross the highway or private road upon which the school bus is stopped have crossed safely, and that all other pupils and pedestrians are a safe distance from the school bus before setting the school bus in motion.
(e) Except at a location where pupils are loading or unloading from a school bus and must cross a highway or private road upon which the school bus is stopped, the school bus driver may not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light signal system, or the stop signal arm at any of the following locations:
- School bus loading zones on or adjacent to school grounds or during an activity trip, if the school bus is lawfully stopped or parked.
- Where the school bus is disabled due to mechanical breakdown. The driver of a relief bus that arrives at the scene to transport pupils from the disabled school bus shall not activate the amber warning light system, the flashing red light system, or the stop signal arm.
- Where a pupil requires physical assistance from the driver or authorized attendant to board or leave the school bus and while providing the assistance extends the length of time the school bus is stopped beyond the time required to load or unload a pupil that does not require physical assistance.
- Where the roadway surface on the surface on which the bus is stopped is partially or completely covered by snow or ice and requiring traffic to stop would pose a safety hazard as determined by the school bus motor carrier.
- On a state highway with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour or higher where the school bus is completely off the main traveled portion of the highway.
- Any location determined by a school district, with the approval of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, to present a traffic or safety hazard.
(f) Not withstanding subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive, the Department of the California Highway Patrol may require the activation of an approved flashing amber warning light system, if the school bus is so equipped, or the flashing red light signal system and stop signal arm, as required on the school bus, at any location where the Department of the California Highway Patrol determines that the activation is necessary for the safety of school pupils loading or unloading from a school bus.
