Failed to Stop for School Bus, NYS VTL § 1174-a

If you were issued a traffic ticket for passing a stopped school bus in New York State, this is a huge issue. Many courts take this offense very seriously and enforce maximum penalties for this ticket. Although “failed to stop for a school bus” is a violation, it is a complicated one in the eyes of the law. This is because it encompasses two sections of the law: NYS VTL §§ 1174-a, 375.20 The sections must be read together for a comprehensive picture of what it means to be in violation of this law.

The Law

When read together, a driver must stop for a school bus in either direction when

• the school bus is stopped on a public highway, street or private road
• the school bus is be stopped, but engaged in picking up (receiving) or dropping off (discharging) passengers for transporting
  • Children to/from
    • camp or camp activities
    • religious services or instruction
    • child care for children of migrant farm workers or food processing laborers
• Students to/from school or school activities
• Disabled persons when used by not-for-profit agency licensed by NYS or any state facility; and
• the school bus has red flashing signal lights in the front and back of the bus
• the flashing signals are illuminated and flashing
• the the words “School Bus” are painted in black on the outside of the bus, both in the front and back of the bus
• the “School Bus” letters are the same size and at minimum 8” high and at least 1” wide
• the school bus is painted yellow color known as “national school bus chrome.”

Exception To The Law

Of course a driver can move past a school bus when the bus begins to move. But, the law also allows a driver to move past a stopped school bus when the school bus driver or police officer gives a signal that a motorist can pass.

What Are the Penalties and Fines?

A school bus violation carries 5 points. It is important to keep in mind that wracking up 11 points in a year and a half means a license suspension. Plus, it can trigger a driver responsibility assessment fee if a driver already has points on his or her driving record.

Fines for a conviction:

First offense range from $0 to $150
Second offense within 18 months, fines range from $0 to $300
Third offense within 18 months, fines range from $0 to $450
Town and village surcharges are $93 and all other court surcharges are $88.

Also keep in mind that a conviction of this violation can cause major car insurance premium increases for several years, which means paying big bucks to your insurance carrier.

Find Out Your Options By Consulting a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Westchester County

Do not be caught off guard with a School Bus ticket and whatever you do, do NOT pay this ticket! Since so much is at stake, fight it because its consequences are too severe. The first step in doing so is to set yourself up for success by educate yourself as to what your options are, the consequence of pleading guilty and paying the fine BEFORE you pay the ticket. This is where a free consultation with an experienced traffic lawyer comes into play. You need to consult with the best traffic ticket attorney and hiring the best defense possible. Do this by contacting Elisa Claro, Esq. at 917-300-3334 or online for a free traffic consultation. She is ready and waiting to fight your traffic tickets for you. The process is so easy because everything is done by email, regular mail, and online. Hiring the best attorney possible will gave you peace of mind that you are doing all you can get the best results possible and that your ticket is being taken care of without you having to do anything at all. New York traffic Lawyer Elisa Claro, Esq. has handled thousands of traffic tickets throughout New York, including Westchester County – Yonkers, Ardsley, White Plains. Hire the best defense by calling today and let Elisa and her experience work for you.