School sign · MUTCD S3-1
School Bus Stop Ahead Sign
A school bus stops ahead to load or unload children. Be ready for flashing yellow lights, then flashing red lights and a stop arm.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Fluorescent yellow-green background, black school bus symbol and border
What to do
Slow down and watch for children and for the bus. If the bus shows flashing red lights and the stop arm, stop and stay stopped until the lights go off and the arm is pulled in. Do not pass a stopped school bus from either direction unless a divided highway with a physical barrier separates you.
Where you see it
On roads before a regular school bus stop where drivers might not see the bus until late.
Test trap
This sign only warns that a stop is ahead; it does not by itself require you to stop. You must stop only when the bus shows flashing red lights and the stop arm, and flashing yellow lights mean the bus is about to stop.
Memory tip: Yellow flash: get ready. Red flash: stop and stay stopped.
Practice question
A yellow-green diamond sign with a school bus symbol means:
- School zone speed limit begins
- Buses are not allowed on this road
- Bus-only lane starts ahead
- A school bus stop is ahead
Answer: D. The sign warns that a school bus stops ahead to pick up or drop off children.
Road signs (MUTCD)