When are you required to stop for a school crossing guard?

You are required to stop for a school crossing guard whenever the guard is signaling for traffic to stop because the guard's primary role is to ensure the safety of children crossing the street. The guard has the authority to control traffic in the area near schools, especially during times when children are arriving or leaving school. This may happen at any time when they are actively signaling, regardless of whether children are currently crossing. It is crucial for drivers to heed these signals to protect the safety of young pedestrians.

Stopping only if children are present does not account for the fact that it is the guard's signal that dictates traffic behavior, not the visibility of children. Similarly, limiting the requirement to school hours ignores scenarios when guards may be present outside usual hours, and stopping only upon seeing a stop sign does not recognize the specific authority and duty of school crossing guards in controlling traffic for the well-being of students. Drivers must always obey the indications of a school crossing guard to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for children.