In Virginia, what is required when you are not traveling in the same direction as a school bus?

In Virginia, when you are not traveling in the same direction as a school bus, the requirement is that you do not have to stop if you are on a divided road. This is because divided roads are designed with a physical barrier or median separating the lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. The safety consideration in this scenario is that the students who might be boarding or exiting the bus are not crossing a divided roadway, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

When approaching a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing lights and its stop arm is extended, vehicles on the same side of the road as the bus must stop to ensure the safety of children who may be crossing to board or from disembarking. However, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction on a divided road can continue to move without stopping because there is a separation between the lanes, minimizing the potential danger to children.

Understanding this rule helps ensure that drivers are aware of the necessary precautions based on the road type they are traveling on, promoting safety for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic.