Getting a ticket for passing a stopped school bus is a serious offense that carries huge legal and financial consequences. Most of us have been there. It was an honest mistake the day I passed a stopped school bus and got my first ticket.
So, in this article, I will be teaching you what to do if you get a ticket for passing a stopped school bus since handling the situation properly is important because the penalties can affect your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket for Passing a Stopped School Bus
I got a ticket for passing a stopped school bus: here’s what you should do:
Step 1: Understand the Severity of the Violation
Passing a stopped school bus is not just a minor traffic infraction; it’s considered a huge safety violation in many countries.
School buses transport children, and when they stop to let students on or off, the law requires drivers to stop to protect the children from being struck by vehicles as they cross the street.
However, failing to stop can put the children’s lives at risk, and as a result, the penalties for this violation are usually severe. So, the earlier you know this the better.
Step 2: Review the Details of the Ticket
When you receive the ticket, the first thing you should do is carefully review all the details in the ticket. The ticket should specify:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location where the violation occurred
- Description of the offense
- The officer’s observations (such as whether the bus had its stop arm extended or lights flashing)
- The fines and penalties associated with the ticket
- Court appearance requirements (if applicable)
Check the ticket for any errors, such as incorrect information about your car or the location of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can use it to contest the ticket.
Step 3: Check What Your Local Traffic Laws Says
Traffic laws differs by state and locality, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws regarding school buses in your area.
Generally, when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, drivers in both directions must stop, unless there is a divided highway with a median.
Knowing these laws can help you determine whether the ticket was issued correctly or if there might be grounds for disputing it.
Step 4: Evaluate Your Options
After reviewing the ticket and researching the law, you need to decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty. Here’s how to approach each option:
Pleading Guilty:
If you know you were at fault and the evidence against you is clear, pleading guilty might be the best option. This usually involves paying the fine and accepting any points on your driving record.
Secondly, know that pleading guilty can have consequences, such as increased insurance premiums and points on your license. In some states, accumulating too many points can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license.
Pleading Not Guilty:
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or there were extenuating circumstances, you can plead not guilty and contest the ticket in court.
However, you must consider whether you have evidence to support your case, such as dashcam footage, photos of unclear signage, or witness statements.
For example, if the bus’s lights were not functioning correctly or if you were in a situation where it was unsafe to stop, these could be valid defenses to use in court.
Step 5: Get a Legal Representation
If you decide to fight the ticket, especially if the penalties are severe, hiring an attorney might be a wise decision.
A lawyer who specializes in traffic violations can help you build a strong case, navigate the legal system, and possibly reduce the charges or penalties.
They can also represent you in court, which might be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process or if you’re facing huge fines or a license suspension.
Step 6: Prepare for Your Court Appearance
If you choose to contest the ticket, you’ll need to prepare for your court appearance. This involves:
- Gathering Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case such as photos of the scene, dashcam footage, or testimony from witnesses.
- Organize Your Defense: Be ready to explain your side of the story clearly and concisely. If there were factors beyond your control that led to the violation, such as poor weather conditions, make sure to highlight them.
- Understand the Court Process: Familiarize yourself with the court procedures, including how to present evidence, what to expect during the hearing, and the possible outcomes.
Step 7: Consider Traffic School
In some areas, attending traffic school may be an option to reduce the penalties associated with the ticket.
Completing a traffic school course can sometimes result in the removal of points from your driving record or prevent the violation from affecting your insurance rates.
This option might be available whether you plead guilty or no contest, so it’s worth looking into.
Step 8: Know the Long-Term Consequences
Beyond the immediate fines and penalties, a conviction for passing a stopped school bus can have long-term effects. The consequences might include:
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies usually view traffic violations, especially serious ones like passing a school bus, as a sign of risky driving behavior. As a result, your insurance rates may increase.
- Points on Your License: Most states use a point system to track driving violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to higher fines, mandatory driving courses, or even a suspension of your driver’s license.
- Impact on Your Driving Record: A violation like this will stay on your driving record for several years, which can affect future employment opportunities, especially if your job involves driving.
For this reasons, you need to avoid similar issues in the future, it’s important to practice safe driving habits, especially around school buses.
- Always be vigilant when driving in areas where school buses are likely to be present, especially during school hours.
- Make sure you fully understand the laws regarding school buses in your state and adhere to them strictly.
- Reduce your speed and be extra cautious in school zones and residential areas, where children are likely to be present.
Conclusion
While the consequences of getting a ticket for passing a stopped school bus is severe, it is not the end of the world. You can follow the procedures explained in this article to handle the situation effectively and also prevent the situation from repeating itself again.
