When is it permissible for a school bus to use its hazard lights?

A school bus is permitted to use its hazard lights when it is stopped to load or unload passengers. This practice serves to alert other drivers on the road that the bus is stationary and that students may be entering or exiting the vehicle. The use of hazard lights enhances safety by making the bus more visible, particularly in situations where visibility may be limited due to road conditions or other factors.

The key consideration here is that loading and unloading students can pose significant risks, and using hazard lights helps to create a safer environment for children as they enter or exit the bus. It communicates to other motorists that they should proceed with caution and be prepared to stop for children.

While other situations like being in motion, facing adverse weather, or approaching a stop sign can require extra caution, they do not provide the same clear need for hazard lights as when the bus is stopped to load or unload students. Hazard lights are specifically designed for situations where a vehicle is stopped in a way that could pose a hazard to other drivers, emphasizing the importance of student safety during boarding and disembarking times.