Penalties for Illegally Passing a School Bus

Failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing can result in an expensive ticket and other consequences for residents of New York. If you have been cited for this traffic violation, contacting a New York traffic ticket lawyer can provide you with added help in managing the costs and consequences of a school bus ticket. Here are some facts to keep in mind when dealing with a ticket for passing a school bus in the state of New York.

Passing a School Bus Can Be Costly

If you receive a ticket for passing a school bus while its stop sign is displayed and its lights are flashing, you can expect to pay a hefty fine for this violation:

• A first offense will typically carry a fine of between $250 and $400 plus a $70 surcharge applied to all moving violations.
• Second offenses are subject to fines of $600 to $750 plus a $70 surcharge.
• Third convictions for illegally passing a school bus carry fines of between $750 and $1,000 plus a surcharge of $70.

Other costs may also be applied for drivers who accrue more than six points against their driver’s license. Since the point assessment for passing a school bus with its lights flashing is five points, a single ticket could add up to thousands of dollars in fines, surcharges and other costs.

You Could Face Revocation of Your Driving Privileges

The state of New York enforces strict penalties for drivers who illegally pass school buses. If you accrue two convictions for this charge within a period of three years, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will typically revoke your driver’s license for six months. You will have to pay reinstatement fees at the end of this period. If the DMV decides that you are an unsafe driver, they may deny reinstatement of your driving privileges altogether.

Seeking Legal Help Is Essential

Retaining the services of a New York traffic ticket attorney is of critical importance to protect your driving record and prevent the assessment of financially devastating fines. These legal professionals can often get the charges against you reduced or dismissed, allowing you to continue operating your motor vehicle legally and preventing serious financial consequences for you.

At the Law Offices of Isaac Abraham, we can provide the most assertive and effective representation for our clients both in and out of court. We work with clients throughout New York to deliver the defense strategies needed to protect their driving privileges and help them to avoid convictions on traffic charges. Give us a call today at 646-770-0921 to discuss your case with our team of legal experts. Every ticket is worth fighting. We can put the odds on your side in and out of court.