Hazard Lights – Proceed with caution.
Located towards the lower half of the bus near the taillights, the hazard lights begin flashing when a bus has stopped to let children aboard, but they won't be crossing the road to reach it. Motorists are allowed to pass the bus when these lights are on, but they are warned to be extremely cautious and alert while doing so.
Flashing red lights signal that all traffic in both directions must stop immediately.
Flashing Yellow Lights – Prepare to stop…
Bus drivers trigger the flashing yellow lights on the upper half of the bus as a warning that they are about to stop. They are typically activated about 200 feet prior to stopping. Once the bus actually stops, the flashing red lights will go on and all traffic will also be required to stop.
Flashing Red Lights – STOP!
The flashing red lights on the upper half of the bus, which may be accompanied by the protruding stop sign on the side, signal that all traffic in both directions must stop immediately. Whether you are driving behind the bus, in a lane going the opposite direction of a bus, or on a street intersecting the one the bus is on, it is imperative that you stop. It's illegal to pass a school bus while the red lights are flashing, for doing so would endanger the children who are boarding.