What Happens If You Accidentally Pass A Stopped School Bus In Texas?
Getting caught passing a stopped school bus can result in serious consequences in Texas. Even if it was an accident, you could still face fines or even lose your license. So what exactly happens if you blow past those flashing red lights by mistake in the Lone Star State?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: In Texas, the penalty for illegally passing a stopped school bus is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and a possible driver’s license suspension. Even if it was accidental, you are still liable.
Texas Laws on Passing Stopped School Buses
When It’s Illegal
Passing a stopped school bus can have serious consequences in Texas. It is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped and has its stop sign extended and red lights flashing. This applies to both vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus and vehicles approaching from the opposite direction on undivided roadways.
The purpose of these laws is to ensure the safety of school children as they get on and off the bus.
Did you know? In Texas, passing a stopped school bus is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $1,250 for a first offense.
It is important to note that the law applies not only to cars but also to motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. All road users are required to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children.
Applicable Laws and Fines
The specific laws regarding passing stopped school buses in Texas can be found in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.066. According to this section, drivers must stop when approaching a school bus from any direction on a roadway, regardless of the number of lanes or whether there is a physical barrier or median.
The only exception is when the road is divided by a physical barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide.
Violating these laws can result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,250 for a first offense. Repeat offenders may face higher fines, and in some cases, their driver’s license may be suspended.
Important Note: It is worth mentioning that the fines mentioned above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on fines and penalties related to passing stopped school buses in Texas, it is recommended to consult the official Texas Department of Public Safety website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/.
Penalties for Illegally Passing a School Bus
Fines
Passing a stopped school bus in Texas is a serious offense that can result in significant penalties. The fines for illegally passing a school bus can vary depending on the circumstances and the number of previous offenses. Generally, a first-time offense can result in a fine of up to $1,250.
Subsequent offenses can lead to even higher fines. It is important to note that these fines are in addition to any court costs and fees that may be associated with the offense.
These fines are put in place to deter drivers from endangering the lives of children who are entering or exiting a school bus. The safety of our children should always be a top priority, and it is crucial to obey the laws that are in place to protect them.
License Suspension
In addition to fines, illegally passing a school bus in Texas can also result in a suspension of your driver’s license. The length of the suspension can vary depending on the number of previous offenses and the severity of the violation.
A first-time offender can face a license suspension of up to six months, while subsequent offenses can lead to longer suspensions.
Having your driver’s license suspended can have a significant impact on your daily life. It can make it difficult to commute to work, run errands, or fulfill other responsibilities that require driving.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand and respect the laws regarding school bus safety to avoid such consequences.
For more information on the specific penalties for illegally passing a school bus in Texas, you can visit the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety: https://www.dps.texas.gov/
What to Do If You Accidentally Pass a Stopped School Bus
Pull Over and Wait
If you find yourself accidentally passing a stopped school bus, it’s important to remain calm and take immediate action. As soon as you realize what has happened, pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.
This will help ensure the safety of the children boarding or exiting the bus, as well as other drivers on the road. Remember, the safety of our children should always be a top priority.
Cooperate If Stopped by Law Enforcement
If a law enforcement officer stops you for passing a stopped school bus, it is crucial to cooperate fully. Stay calm and follow their instructions. Provide them with any necessary documents, such as your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
It’s important to remember that passing a stopped school bus is a serious offense, and cooperation with law enforcement will help resolve the situation more smoothly.
Expect to Be Fined
Passing a stopped school bus is not taken lightly in Texas. It is considered a traffic violation and can result in hefty fines. In fact, the fine for passing a stopped school bus can be up to $1,250 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can lead to even higher fines and other penalties.
So, it’s crucial to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding school bus safety to avoid potential fines and legal consequences.
For more information on school bus safety and the consequences of passing a stopped school bus, you can visit the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://www.dps.texas.gov/.
How to Avoid Accidental Illegal Passing
Be Alert Near Schools and Bus Stops
One of the most important things you can do to avoid accidentally passing a stopped school bus in Texas is to be alert and aware of your surroundings. This means paying extra attention when driving near schools and bus stops.
Children can be unpredictable, and they may not always follow the rules when getting on or off the bus. By staying alert, you can anticipate any potential risks and take appropriate action.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, drivers should be especially cautious in school zones and residential areas where children are likely to be present. Keep an eye out for school zone signs, reduced speed limits, and crossing guards.
Remember, it is your responsibility as a driver to ensure the safety of those around you, especially vulnerable pedestrians like children.
Watch for Flashing Lights and Stop Sign
When a school bus is stopped to pick up or drop off students, it activates its flashing lights and extends a stop sign. These signals indicate that you must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the bus driver signals that it is safe to proceed.
Failing to stop for a school bus with its lights flashing and stop sign extended is a serious offense in Texas and can result in fines and other penalties.
It’s important to note that this rule applies to vehicles traveling in both directions on undivided roadways. Even if you are on the opposite side of the road from the bus, you must still stop unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median, separating the lanes.
Slow Down and Prepare to Stop
Another crucial step in avoiding accidental illegal passing of a stopped school bus is to slow down and prepare to stop when you see a school bus ahead. By reducing your speed, you give yourself more time to react to any unexpected actions by the bus or nearby pedestrians.
This extra time can be the difference between safely stopping and inadvertently passing the bus.
Remember, the safety of our children is paramount. Taking a few extra moments to ensure their well-being is worth it. So, the next time you see a school bus, don’t rush. Slow down, be alert, and always stop when required.
Fighting an Illegal Passing Citation
If you have accidentally passed a stopped school bus in Texas and received a citation, there are steps you can take to fight the charges. It is important to consult with a traffic lawyer who specializes in handling these types of cases to ensure the best possible outcome.
Talk to a Traffic Lawyer
When facing an illegal passing citation, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable traffic lawyer. They can assess the specifics of your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.
A traffic lawyer will have a deep understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, and can help you navigate the legal process.
Moreover, a traffic lawyer can review the evidence against you and identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They will fight for your rights and work towards minimizing the penalties or even getting the citation dismissed.
Request Mitigation If Accidental
If you can demonstrate that passing the stopped school bus was accidental, you may be able to request mitigation. Mitigation is a process where you acknowledge your mistake and provide evidence to support your claim that it was unintentional.
This could include witness statements, dashcam footage, or any other relevant documentation.
By requesting mitigation, you are essentially asking the court for leniency. The court may consider reducing the fines or penalties associated with the citation. It is important to present a strong case with compelling evidence to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Attend Traffic School
In some cases, attending traffic school may be an option to mitigate the consequences of passing a stopped school bus. Traffic schools offer educational programs that focus on traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the importance of obeying school bus stop signs.
By voluntarily attending traffic school, you can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a safer driver and avoiding similar mistakes in the future. This can be viewed favorably by the court and may result in a reduction of fines or points on your driving record.
It is important to note that the availability of traffic school as an option may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the jurisdiction you are in. Consulting with a traffic lawyer can help you determine if traffic school is a viable option for your situation.
Conclusion
In summary, accidentally passing a stopped school bus in Texas can lead to fines, license suspension, and criminal charges. Even if it was a mistake, you are still liable. If caught, pull over, cooperate, and consult a traffic attorney. To avoid illegal passing, be extra cautious around school zones and prepare to stop when you see those red lights flashing. While penalties may be stiff, they help keep kids safe by ensuring drivers follow the law.
