Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been ticketed for illegally passing a school bus, it may be in your best interest to call a traffic lawyer, like a traffic lawyer in Fairfax, VA, as soon as possible.
Penalties for Illegally Passing a School Bus
When a school bus stops, flashes its lights, and posts their “STOP” sign, all vehicles in front of and behind the bus must stop. Failure to do so can result in a costly ticket, as well as, other consequences for residents.
If you have been given a citation for a traffic violation because you did not stop for a school bus, you may want to call a traffic ticket lawyer. An attorney can provide you with the necessary information to understand the potential consequences, your rights, and legal options. The following are some considerations to keep in mind.
Passing a School Bus is Illegal and a Ticket Can Be Very Expensive
If you’ve been given a ticket for passing a school bus that is stopped and flashing its lights, you may have to pay a large fine. Below is a general overview of the average fine of all states. A traffic ticket lawyer can help you to understand a more precise amount owed during your initial consultation.
- First Offense – $200 – $ 500
- Second Offense – $600 – $800
- Third Offense – $800 -$1200
In addition to these fees, you may be ordered to pay a surcharge fee and other fees if you’ve accrued a certain number of points on your license. In general, you can expect four to six points added to your license on your first offense of illegally passing a school bus. You will almost certainly see an immediate increase in your insurance premium. Typically, this increase is between 15 and 60 percent, and will likely be applied for the next two to five years. One ticket could cost you thousands of dollars, of which, may alter your life in many ways. If this is not something you are ready for, consider hiring a traffic ticket lawyer.
Your Driver’s License Might Be Revoked
The penalties for passing a school bus are strict. In many states, if you are convicted of doing so more than one time and within a period of one to three years, your driver’s license may be revoked. Once you are able to receive your license again, you will be responsible for covering the cost of reinstatement fees. You might also be ordered to go through driving school and if the DMV finds you to be an unfit driver, you may be denied your driving privileges.
You Should Get Legal Help
If you would like to prevent devastating consequences and protect your driving record, you should retain a traffic ticket lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer may be able to get your charge of passing a school bus illegally dismissed or reduced. You may be able to continue operating your car and avoid a large insurance premium increase.
Thanks to May Law, LLP for their insight into what a fine for passing a school bus illegally could end up looking like.