Can You Pass a School Bus with Flashing Lights in Ontario?

Under section 175 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, when a school bus has its upper alternating red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, every driver approaching from either direction must stop at least 20 metres (about 5 car lengths) from the bus. You must remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted. This is one of the most strictly enforced traffic laws in Ontario because it directly protects children.

Yes, drivers travelling in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. The only exception is if you are on a road with a physical median (a raised divider, not just a painted line) separating the lanes. In that case, only vehicles travelling in the same direction as the school bus must stop. On any undivided road, including roads with centre turn lanes, both directions must stop.

Passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights carries some of the most severe penalties in Ontario's Highway Traffic Act:

According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, school buses use a two-stage warning system. The upper alternating yellow lights flash first to warn drivers that the bus is about to stop. When you see yellow lights, slow down and prepare to stop. The upper red lights then begin flashing and the stop arm extends when children are getting on or off. You must not move until the red lights stop flashing. Some buses also have lower yellow flashing lights that operate whenever the bus is in motion.

When you see a school bus ahead, whether it is stopped or still moving, slow down and be prepared to stop. Watch for children near the road. Children may cross the road unexpectedly, so even after the bus resumes moving, drive slowly through the area. On your road test, demonstrating awareness around school buses shows the examiner that you understand one of Ontario's most critical safety rules.