By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 13, 2026 · How we check our content
Short answer: Some vehicles need you to stop or make room.
Key points
- Amber lights on a school bus: be ready to stop.
- Red lights and stop arm on an undivided road: traffic in both directions stops, about 20 m back.
- Divided by a median: traffic behind the bus stops; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution.
- Siren behind you on a two-way road: pull to the right edge and stop.
- On a one-way road, pull to the nearest edge.
- Follow emergency vehicles no closer than 150 m.
Law or advice?
Stopping for buses and yielding to emergency vehicles is law. Checking for children after the lights go off is good practice.
Example
A bus ahead on a two-lane road stops with red lights flashing. You stop about 20 m back, whichever direction you're travelling.
Checked against the Government of Alberta Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026), used under the Open Government Licence – Alberta. Laws change, so check alberta.ca for the current rules before you rely on a number. Sources: Alberta Driver’s Guide, page 101: School buses; Emergency vehicles.
Check yourself
Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.
Question 1 · Sharing the Road
A school bus ahead has alternating amber lights flashing. What do they mean?
- A. The bus is about to pull away
- B. The bus has broken down
- C. You must stop right away
- D. The bus is preparing to stop
Show answer
Answer: D. The bus is preparing to stop
Amber lights warn that the red lights are about to begin and the bus is stopping.
Question 2 · Sharing the Road
On an undivided road, a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing. You are coming toward it. What must you do?
- A. Stop
- B. Continue with caution
- C. Honk and pass
- D. Slow down and proceed
Show answer
Answer: A. Stop
On an undivided road, traffic from both directions must stop.
Question 3 · Sharing the Road
An emergency vehicle with a siren approaches from behind on a two-way road. What should you do?
- A. Move to the left side
- B. Move to the right edge and stop
- C. Speed up and keep going until you find a side road
- D. Stop right in your lane
Show answer
Answer: B. Move to the right edge and stop
On a two-way road, drive as close as possible to the right curb or edge and stop.
Question 4 · Sharing the Road
An emergency vehicle approaches on a one-way street. Where should you pull over?
- A. Always to the right, even if you must cross lanes
- B. Always to the left
- C. To the nearest curb, left or right
- D. Stop in your lane
Show answer
Answer: C. To the nearest curb, left or right
On a one-way street, move to the nearest curb and stop.
Question 5 · Sharing the Road
When is passing a snowplow strictly prohibited?
- A. When your view along its side is blocked
- B. Only at night
- C. Only on weekends
- D. Never; passing a snowplow is always allowed when it is slow
Show answer
Answer: A. When your view along its side is blocked
You may not pass if the view is obstructed, if passing would interfere, or if it cannot be done safely.
Question 6 · Sharing the Road
You want to pass a cyclist on a narrow road with oncoming traffic. What should you do?
- A. Honk so the cyclist moves over for you
- B. Pass closely so you stay in your own lane
- C. Pass on the right if there is a shoulder
- D. Slow down and wait until you can pass with room
Show answer
Answer: D. Slow down and wait until you can pass with room
Give cyclists plenty of space. Wait if you cannot pass safely.
Next: Roadside workers, tow trucks and snowplows. People working at the roadside are at risk from passing traffic.