Practice question

What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus?

  1. warning only
  2. fine and demerit points on the driver's record
  3. Community service hours
  4. mandatory driving class

Answer: B — fine and demerit points on the driver's record

The penalty for failing to stop for a school bus is a fine and demerit points on the driver's record. This is in place to ensure the safety of children boarding or disembarking from the bus. Ontario law stipulates that when a school bus has its stop arm extended and lights flashing, motorists must come to a complete stop regardless of the direction they are approaching the bus from. Failure to adhere to this regulation is viewed seriously, as it poses a significant risk to the safety of children. The fines and demerit points serve as both a punishment and a deterrent to encourage compliance with traffic laws. Accumulating demerit points can lead to further penalties, such as increased insurance rates and potential license suspension, which emphasizes the importance of obeying these rules. Community service hours and mandatory driving classes may be penalties for other infractions, but in this case, the system focuses on fines and demerit points as the appropriate consequence for failing to stop for a school bus. A warning alone would not effectively address the severity of endangering children's safety in these situations.

Practice more: Ontario Class F Driver's Licence Practice Exam →