What should be done to the school bus lights when transporting non-pupils?

• A. They must always remain on.
• B. They should be turned off completely.
• C. Both the flashing red light signal and amber warning light systems must be covered.
• D. They must be set to blink in intervals.

Answer: (C)

When transporting non-pupils, it is important to ensure safety and visibility while complying with relevant regulations. The correct choice is to cover both the flashing red light signal and amber warning light systems.

These lights are specifically used to signal when pupils are boarding or disembarking, indicating the need for caution from other drivers. If a school bus is not transporting pupils, leaving these lights uncovered could create confusion for drivers on the road, who might expect that children are present or about to board or disembark. Covering these lights ensures that the bus does not erroneously signal the presence of school children, thereby enhancing overall safety and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

This practice is also in alignment with legal requirements in many jurisdictions, which mandate that these lights are only used during the actual loading and unloading of students. Taking this precaution helps maintain a clear distinction between school bus operations when pupils are present versus when the bus is simply being used for other purposes.