Unlawful Passing of School Bus

Are you one of the thousands of Georgia drivers who have received a ticket for unlawfully passing a school bus? It is important to know your rights and understand why this violation is so serious. While there are certain times when it may be permissible to pass a stopped school bus, most often doing so results in stiff penalties - including hefty fines, points on your driving history and possible suspension of your license. In this blog post, we'll break down the guidelines behind Georgia's laws regarding unlawfully passing a school bus; explain what civil penalty might entail should you get caught on school bus stop camera passing illegally; and detail what steps can be taken if wrongfully accused. Read on to learn more about preventing unnecessary traffic tickets!

Overview of Georgia Laws on Unlawful Passing of School Bus - OCGA 40-6-163

The safety of children should always be a top priority, and that is why Georgia has strict laws regarding the unlawful passing of school buses. OCGA (Official Code of Georgia Annotated) 40-6-163 clearly outlines the steps drivers must take when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing lights and an extended stop-arm. This law requires all drivers, regardless of the direction they are traveling, to come to a complete stop before reaching a stopped school bus. Drivers are not allowed to resume driving until the school bus either resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated. The exception to this rule is that if the school bus is on the other side of the road AND there is a physical median between the road you are on and the road the bus is on, then you do not have to stop. Failure to obey this law can result in hefty fines, points on your license, and even jail time in extreme cases. As responsible members of society, we must follow these laws to ensure the well-being of our children and prevent any tragedy on our roads.

Consequences for a Traffic Ticket for Unlawful Passing of School Bus

Passing a school bus that has its stop sign extended and lights flashing is not only illegal, but it endangers the lives of children who are boarding or departing the bus. If caught violating this law, the consequences can be severe. School bus drivers, not just law enforcement, are allowed to report you to local law enforcement if they observe you illegally passing their school bus - they have a form to fill out listing the vehicle description, license number, and time and place of occurrence.

A conviction of unlawful passing of a school bus comes with some steep consequences: a fine of up to $1,000, possible jail time of up to 12 months, and 6 points added to your driving history. Remember - if you are 21 or older, it only takes 15 or more points in a 24 month period to get your license automatically suspended. And if you are under the age of 21, your license will be automatically suspended for 6 months upon a conviction of this type of offense - because any single conviction carrying 4 or more points will suspend your license - and you do not qualify for a limited driving permit. It's critical to understand the seriousness of this offense and the potential consequences so that all drivers can help ensure the safety of our children.

How the Civil Bus Camera Penalty Works

The civil bus camera penalty system is an innovative approach to ensuring safety on our roads. It is designed to catch and penalize motorists who violate traffic laws by passing a stopped school bus while its stop sign is extended. The system works by using cameras mounted on the exterior of the bus to capture images and videos of any vehicle disregarding the stop sign. The images are then reviewed by law enforcement officers who determine whether or not to issue a civil penalty for the violation.

This is not a criminal traffic ticket but a civil enforcement of OCGA 40-6-163. You will still receive a court date in the mail and, if you fail to respond to it within the time allotted, you will not be able to renew the registration of your vehicle (the one illegally passing the school bus) or otherwise transfer title of said vehicle until the civil penalty has been taken care of. The civil penalty is monetary and is set by law at $250 - you will not receive points on your license, and your insurance company should not be able to use this against you. The owner of the motor vehicle caught on camera - not the driver - is responsible for paying this monetary penalty. You do have a right to contest this civil penalty and get a court date for it - commonly called "bus court". You have a right to review the footage and identify whether or not it was you or your vehicle that illegally passed the school bus in question.

What to Do If You Receive a Ticket for Unlawful Passing of a School Bus

If you receive a ticket for unlawful passing of a school bus, it is important to take the matter seriously and handle it with professionalism. This type of violation is considered a serious offense and can result in steep fines and even the loss of your driver's license if you are under the age of 21 - or if you are 21 or older and have 15 or more points in a 24 month period. The first step when you get such a citation is to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in traffic violations in the jurisdiction of the court you have to report to. They will be able to assess your case, review your options, and provide you with the best possible defense. It is important to remember that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse, and being proactive in handling the situation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

How a Traffic Ticket Attorney can Help with Violations for Illegal Passing of a School Bus

As we've seen, the illegal passing of a school bus is a serious offense, and violators can face significant penalties. In this situation, it's important to have a skilled traffic ticket attorney on your side who can help you navigate the legal system and minimize the consequences. An experienced attorney can review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and work to negotiate a favorable plea or defend you in court. They can also advise you on your options for mitigating the impact on your driving record, insurance rates, and personal and professional life. With a traffic ticket attorney in your corner, you have a better chance of achieving a positive outcome and moving forward from this difficult situation.

In Conclusion

Above all else, safety should always be the top priority when passing a school bus. It is important to remain vigilant and aware when driving near a school bus since even the slightest mistake could lead to serious consequences. Taking the proper precautions is essential for staying safe on the road, and understanding Georgia’s laws regarding passing a school bus - OCGA 40-6-163 - will help you stay on the legal side of the law. If you happen to receive a traffic ticket for unlawful passing of a school bus, there are specific procedures you must follow. Keep in mind that if you are found guilty, you may be required to pay hefty fines or face suspension of your driver's license. A traffic ticket attorney can be an invaluable asset if you receive an illegal pass ticket. Therefore, it is advisable to get in touch with one in time for assistance with fines or legal advice regarding court proceedings. With this awareness and preparation, we can all strive towards safer roads and ultimate care of those in our community such as children getting on and off their buses each day.