ICBC British Columbia Written Exam Practice Test 2025

What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing?

1. Warning and education course

2. Community service

3. Fines and possible demerit points

4. Suspension of driving privileges

The correct answer is: Fines and possible demerit points

The correct understanding of the consequences for failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing lies in recognizing the importance placed on the safety of children. When a school bus has its lights activated, it indicates that children may be boarding or disembarking and that drivers must stop their vehicles to ensure their safety. The penalties for ignoring this critical safety rule typically include monetary fines, which serve as a deterrent against such dangerous behavior, and the addition of demerit points to the driver’s record. The accumulation of demerit points can lead to further repercussions if a driver reaches a specific threshold, reinforcing the seriousness of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users, especially children. While other choices may encompass a range of penalties that could theoretically be applicable in different scenarios, such as community service or educational courses, these are not the primary measures enforced in cases of failing to stop for a school bus. The emphasis on fines and demerit points reflects the legal approach taken in most jurisdictions, including British Columbia, to address violations that directly threaten the safety of young pedestrians.