(a) A transit bus may be authorized to be equipped with a yield right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus. The yield right-of-way sign may flash simultaneously with the rear turn signal lamps, but is not required to do so. The sign shall be both of the following:
(1) Designed to warn a person operating a motor vehicle approaching the rear of the bus that the bus is entering traffic.
(2) Illuminated by a red flashing light when the bus is signaling in preparation for entering a traffic lane after having stopped to receive or discharge passengers.
(b) This section does not require a transit agency to install the yield right-of-way sign described in subdivision (a).
(c) This section does not relieve the driver of a transit bus from the duty to drive the bus with due regard for the safety of all persons and property. This section does not exempt the driver of a transit bus from Section 21804.
(d) This section applies only to the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, if the governing board of the applicable entity approves a resolution, after a public hearing on the issue, requesting that this section be made applicable to it.
(e) A participating transit agency shall undertake a public education program to encourage motorists to yield to a transit bus when the sign specified in subdivision (a) is activated.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 222. Effective January 1, 2009.)