Under what condition must a school bus driver stop at a railroad crossing?

A school bus driver must stop at a railroad crossing when there is at least one passenger or one student on board because the safety of passengers, especially children, is of paramount importance. The regulations require a stop at all railroad crossings as a precautionary measure to ensure that the driver can observe any approaching trains and ensure the safe passage of passengers. This rule is designed to minimize the risk of accidents and enhance safety, keeping in mind that children may not always be aware of the dangers associated with railroads.

While it is important for drivers to evaluate the situation when no passengers are on board or when the bus is empty, the specific rule regarding stopping is directly tied to the presence of passengers. Not stopping when students are on board could lead to serious safety hazards, so the law mandates that a stop occurs in those circumstances, regardless of the bus's occupancy or passenger load. Stopping when a train is approaching is always essential, but the law focuses specifically on the presence of passengers to dictate the need for stopping at all times.