When is a vehicle required to stop for a school crossing guard?

A vehicle is required to stop for a school crossing guard whenever the guard is signaling to stop, regardless of direction. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of children and others crossing the street in school zones. The presence of a school crossing guard is an indication that there are likely students nearby who may be crossing the street, and their signaling is a direct instruction to drivers to halt their vehicles.

This requirement helps to create a safe environment for children by ensuring that vehicles come to a complete stop when a guard is indicating it is unsafe to proceed. It is crucial for drivers to recognize and obey the signals from crossing guards, as they are trained to manage pedestrian safety in areas where children may be present.

The other options do not reflect the full scope of the law regarding school crossing guards. For example, only stopping when children are present does not take into account the important role of the guard in managing traffic. Similarly, only stopping on one side of the road undermines the guard's authority, as vehicles must stop completely when signaled, regardless of their position on the street. A stop sign displayed by the guard could be an additional measure, but the primary rule is to stop whenever the guard signals, which encompasses all situations requiring a halt.