Don’t risk passing a stopped school bus loading or unloading. It is not only dangerous but can also be financially devastating. Consulting with a traffic attorney is crucial to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney for a School Bus Passing Ticket
There are compelling reasons to hire a traffic attorney to challenge a school bus passing ticket in Bakersfield, CA. The primary concern is the financial impact.
A fine for passing a school bus is a hefty $695, but that's just the beginning.
The DMV will assess a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, which could lead to a significant increase in your auto insurance premium. Your insurance company will remove your 20% “good driver’s discount” and add a substantial risk factor, typically around 10-12%. This raised premium can result in a premium increase of hundreds of dollars.
A traffic attorney understands the legal nuances and can build a strong defense to dismiss or reduce the charges potentially. They can also represent you in court, saving you time and stress.
Common Defenses for Passing a School Bus Loading or Unloading Tickets
Several common defenses are used by traffic attorneys when challenging school bus passing tickets:
The school bus hadn't completely stopped.
The red lights and stop sign weren't activated.
You weren't the driver of the vehicle.
An emergency prevented you from stopping.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22454, Special Stops Required, permits the school bus driver to report a vehicle that passed their school bus loading or unloading passengers within 24 hours.
Although that action typically leads to a warning, it does not preclude the municipality from issuing a citation.
If you weren’t driving, then you should allow a traffic attorney to resolve the ticket in court to preclude the judge from asking you a question that could incriminate another member of your family, which would result in the same premium increase.
However, it could be much higher if that driver was a teen on your auto insurance.
“California parents adding a 16-year-old driver to their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $6,239 per year.”
Allowing an experienced attorney to handle your case can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
The High Cost of Ignoring a Stopped School Bus
California traffic code clearly outlines the law regarding school buses. The statute states that drivers must stop before passing a school bus with activated red lights and a stop signal arm.
If someone witnesses you passing a stopped school bus, they can report the incident to law enforcement. This could result in an Attorney General's warning letter or a citation. While the warning letter won't affect your driving record, a citation will result in a fine and NOTS point.
When you pay the fine, you're essentially pleading guilty. The DMV will assess a NOTS point, and your insurance premium will skyrocket.
Considering the average Californian pays around $2,599 for full-coverage insurance, the combined impact of losing the good driver discount and increased risk can add over $700 to your annual premium.
The bottom line is that ignoring a stopped school bus loading or unloading children can be incredibly costly. Hiring a traffic attorney is a wise investment to protect your financial well-being.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About a School Bus Loading or Unloading Ticket
If you were cited for failing to stop for a school bus loading or unloading, and seek resolution in Bakersfield Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman.
We have over ten years of experience resolving traffic issues for California drivers. We’re proud to say we have been asked to handle over 20,000 tickets in court.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 se habla Español. Use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 22454, Special Stops Required.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.