In Maryland, what is the minimum distance you must stop behind a school bus with its red lights flashing?

In Maryland, when a school bus has its red lights flashing, it is signaling that children may be getting on or off the bus, and drivers must take this very seriously to ensure the safety of these vulnerable passengers. The law requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. This distance allows enough space for children to safely board or exit the bus without the risk of being hit by an oncoming vehicle. Stopping at this distance also provides a reaction margin for drivers and ensures visibility of the children around the bus.

While you might initially consider different distances, the 20-foot requirement is specifically designed to ensure everyone’s safety during that critical time when children are interacting with the bus. Other figures, such as 10, 30, or 50 feet, do not align with the current laws in Maryland regarding school bus safety.