When can you pass a stopped school bus without stopping?

Passing a stopped school bus is a critical safety concern, and the rules are designed to protect children as they enter or exit the bus. The correct answer states that you can pass the bus if it is on the opposite side of a divided roadway. The reasoning behind this is that a divided roadway typically has a physical barrier, such as a median, that separates traffic going in opposite directions. This separation ensures that students are not in the immediate vicinity of your vehicle, allowing you to pass safely without jeopardizing their safety.

In contrast, passing a school bus that is on a one-way street would not be permissible because all lanes of traffic are adjacent to where children might be crossing. Being in a hurry is never a valid reason to disregard traffic laws, especially those designed to protect children. Lastly, if the bus is facing you, it indicates that the vehicle is either picking up or dropping off students, and you must always stop in such situations to allow children to cross safely. Understanding these rules is vital for safe driving in areas where school buses operate.