School Buses

You can pass the bus while it is still flashing yellow (caution).

If you were already passing the bus as you indicated, before the red lights and sign came out, you would be okay.

It is always better to error on the side of caution. Never get in a hurry around school buses.

 

i would say it is legal to pass when the yellow lights are flashing but not a very good idea

 

Yellow means caution prepare to stop,just like a traffic sign.I hate it when they just stop quick and bang the sign and expect you to stop on a dime,so,as soon as I see the yellows,I stop.The driver will wave me on if they want me to continue.I would hate for a little kid to come running out into the road.

 

Being a dad with a kid that rides the bus I'd say you weren't right. The yellows come on before the reds and stop sign. You knew they were coming, you should have stopped.

 

That is the way they are supposed to do it.

I have seen some just turn on the stop lights with no warning.

I have seen some driving with the stop lights on even.

There was one that stopped at a minor car accident and turned on their stop lights and had traffic backed up and no kids on the bus.

 

I've seen that as well so whenever I see a school bus (especially in the am or afternoon) I anticipate them stopping, always have in my private vehicles and do the same in the big rig.
OP stated that the sign was not "fully" out til halfway of his trailer, still should have stopped.

 

Was the bus picking up or dropping off? He mighta been blowing his horn to get the folks at the house attention.

 

Just be a little cautious around buses, I know they can sometimes be a pain but we don't need another "Semi runs into a school bus" incident...