7D Traffic Laws and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under California law, what speed limit applies to a school bus when traveling in a school zone with no posted speed limit?
- 25 mph
- 15 mph when children are present (Correct answer)
- 35 mph — the standard city speed limit
- 10 mph in school zones at all times
Correct answer: 15 mph when children are present
California Vehicle Code requires a 15 mph speed limit in school zones when children are present, even if no specific speed is posted.
Under California Vehicle Code Section 22352, a 15 mph speed limit applies when within 500 feet of a school building or school grounds when children are present going to or from school, and when within 1,000 feet of a school building when passing a school zone marked with appropriate warning signs. This 15 mph limit is prima facie (presumed reasonable) and applies even without a posted sign when children are visibly present.
Question 2: A school bus driver is approaching a flashing red traffic signal. What is the required action?
- Treat it as a yield sign and proceed when clear
- Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Slow to 15 mph and proceed through the intersection
- Flash the bus lights in response and proceed
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe to do so
A flashing red signal requires a complete stop, then proceeding when the way is clear — it is treated the same as a stop sign.
Under California Vehicle Code, a flashing red signal has the same legal effect as a stop sign. All drivers, including school bus drivers, must come to a complete stop before the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection, check for conflicting traffic, and proceed only when it is safe to do so. A flashing yellow signal, by contrast, only requires reducing speed and proceeding with caution. School bus drivers must be especially careful at these signals as they may indicate a signal malfunction in an otherwise busy intersection.
Question 3: What is the maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) allowed for a California school bus driver operating a school bus?
- 0.08% — the standard legal limit for all drivers
- 0.04% — the CDL commercial driver limit (Correct answer)
- 0.02% — stricter limit for drivers transporting passengers under 18
- 0.00% — zero tolerance is required at all times
Correct answer: 0.04% — the CDL commercial driver limit
The California CDL standard imposes a 0.04% BAC limit for commercial motor vehicle operators, including school bus drivers.
California Vehicle Code and federal CDL regulations impose a blood alcohol content limit of 0.04% for drivers of commercial motor vehicles, including school buses. This is half the standard 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. Additionally, a driver with any measurable alcohol (even below 0.04%) can be placed out-of-service for 24 hours. School bus drivers must also be aware that many school districts have zero-tolerance policies that go beyond the legal minimum and prohibit any alcohol consumption before driving.
Question 4: When must a California school bus driver yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk?
- Only when the pedestrian has already stepped off the curb
- Always — pedestrians in any crosswalk (marked or unmarked) have the right of way (Correct answer)
- Only at marked crosswalks with painted lines
- Only when a pedestrian signal is activated
Correct answer: Always — pedestrians in any crosswalk (marked or unmarked) have the right of way
California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks — both marked and legally unmarked (at the extension of sidewalk lines at intersections).
California Vehicle Code Section 21950 requires that drivers yield the right of way to pedestrians in all crosswalks — both painted/marked crosswalks and legally implied unmarked crosswalks that exist at the intersection of any two public roads. School bus drivers must be particularly vigilant about unmarked crosswalks near school zones, where students frequently cross at mid-block locations as well. A driver who fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk may face significant fines and criminal liability if a pedestrian is injured.
Question 5: What does California Vehicle Code require regarding school bus use of cellular phones while driving?
- Hands-free use is permitted for school bus drivers
- All use of handheld or hands-free cellular devices is prohibited for school bus drivers carrying students (Correct answer)
- Cellular phone use is allowed at stops but not while moving
- Only texting is prohibited — phone calls are permitted
Correct answer: All use of handheld or hands-free cellular devices is prohibited for school bus drivers carrying students
California law prohibits school bus drivers from using any cellular device — including hands-free — while the bus is in motion and students are on board.
While California law generally permits hands-free phone use for most drivers, school bus drivers are held to a stricter standard. California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5 and bus driver regulations collectively prohibit school bus drivers from using any wireless communication device while driving a vehicle in which passengers are present. This includes hands-free calls. Drivers may use two-way radios specifically designed for dispatch communication, but personal cellular phone use — handheld or hands-free — is prohibited while the bus is in motion with students aboard.
Question 6: What must a California school bus driver do when approaching an intersection with a solid green light?
- Proceed without slowing — green means go
- Slow down, scan the intersection for hazards, and be prepared to yield to crossing traffic before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Honk the horn to alert other vehicles before entering
- Stop briefly and then proceed
Correct answer: Slow down, scan the intersection for hazards, and be prepared to yield to crossing traffic before proceeding
Even with a green light, professional drivers — especially those carrying students — must scan the intersection and be prepared to yield to hazards before proceeding.
A green traffic signal grants the right of way to proceed but does not guarantee that cross-traffic has stopped or that the intersection is clear. School bus drivers must apply the 'covered brake' technique (covering the brake pedal without pressing) and scan the intersection for vehicles running the red light, pedestrians stepping into the crosswalk, and other hazards before committing to the intersection. This defensive driving practice is especially critical when driving large vehicles with long stopping distances and precious cargo aboard.
7D Traffic Laws and Regulations 2
Under California law, what speed limit applies to a school bus when traveling in a school zone with no posted speed limit?