Passing a stopped school bus in Kern County, CA, is a serious traffic violation that can result in significant penalties.
If you're caught and ticketed for passing a stopped school bus, you could face a hefty fine, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums.
The Dangers of Passing a Stopped School Bus
When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, it's a clear indication that children are about to get on or off the bus.
Passing a stopped school bus puts children's lives at risk. It's crucial always to stop when a school bus displays its stop signal.
The Legal Penalties
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22454, Special Stops Required, prohibits any driver from passing a stopped school bus when:
“The bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any school children; and,
The bus displays flashing red lights and/or a stop signal arm.”
These are elements the State is mandated to prove and that a traffic ticket defense attorney can dispute.
A conviction or paid fine for passing a stopped school bus could result in the following penalties for the driver:
A High Fine: The minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus in California is $695. However, additional penalties and fees can significantly increase the total cost.
DMV Points: The DMV will assess one Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) point to your driving record for three years.
Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies consider a school bus stop arm violation a serious offense. This can lead to significant increases in your insurance premiums for several years.
License Suspension: In some cases, repeated traffic violations, including passing a stopped school bus, can lead to license suspension.
When you consider the average Californian will pay $2,599 for full coverage in 2024, (according to Bankrate), losing your “good driver’s discount of 20%” will add approximately $520 to your premium, plus around 12% or $312 for additional risk after a conviction.
Your new premium of $2,962.88 will stay as long as the NOTS point is on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR). Typically, 36-39 months or a new higher premium is required by your insurance provider.
That means the driver could pay $2,496 in increased premiums, plus the $695 fine, or $3,191 for the minor infractionof passing a stopped school bus. Yet, many people believe that hiring an attorney will cost too much.
The Importance of Legal Representation
If you've been cited for passing a stopped school bus, it's crucial to seek the advice of a knowledgeable traffic attorney.
An experienced traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal process and potentially reduce or eliminate the penalties associated with your ticket.
Here are some of the ways a traffic attorney can assist you:
Challenging the Citation: An experienced attorney can review the specific circumstances of your case and identify potential legal defenses.
Negotiating a Plea Deal: In some cases, an attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the traffic court judge to reduce the charges or penalties. Often, a knowledgeable traffic attorney can negotiate a no-point conviction, which means after paying the fine, the DMV and your insurance provider will not be notified.
Attending Traffic School: If eligible, attending traffic school can help you avoid points on your driving record. However, you should always discuss this with an attorney before pleading guilty and possibly boxing yourself into a corner.
Minimizing Fines and Penalties: An attorney can work to minimize the financial impact of the ticket or secure a payment plan through the court.
By hiring a traffic attorney, you can protect your driving record and avoid the significant costs associated with a school bus stop arm violation.
Don't hesitate to seek legal advice to understand your options and make informed decisions about the impact to your driving record and insurance premiums.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About Passing a Stopped School Bus in Kern County
If you are issued a ticket for passing a stopped school bus in Kern County, call Bigger & Harman in Bakersfield at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
We are traffic law professionals who practice in traffic courts across CA, primarily in Kern County Courthouses in Bakersfield, Shafter, Lamont, Mojave, Delano, and Ridgecrest.
Use our easy-to-use online contact form to request a consultation.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 22454, Special Stops Required.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.