When a school bus is stopped on a street or highway and displays an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus must stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. Failure to do so may result in a passing a stopped bus charge. If you have been charged with this offense, calling a traffic lawyer Minnesota can help you obtain a favorable result in your case.
It is also a crime for a person to pass or attempt to pass a school bus in a motor vehicle on the right-hand passenger side of the door when the bus is displaying the pre-warning flashing signals.
Passing a Stopped School Bus Consequences
In Minnesota, a person convicted of failing to stop a vehicle while a school bus has its stop-arm extended is guilty of a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
However, a person may also be charged with a gross-misdemeanor if they fail to stop their motor vehicle and commit one or both of the following:
- Passing or attempting to pass the school bus on the right-hand passenger-door side of the bus; and/or
- Passing or attempting to pass the school bus in a motor vehicle when a child is outside of and on the street used by the school bus or on the adjacent sidewalk.
A gross misdemeanor offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3000 fine.
Possible Driver’s License Sanctions
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, a passing a stopped school bus conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension or revocation.
Should I Contact a Minnesota Traffic Lawyer?
Passenger a school bus is a serious offense with severe consequences. Having an experienced traffic lawyer Minnesota is therefore essential to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Gerald Miller PA has over 35 years of experience in traffic violation defenses. Contact us today at 612-341-9080 for a free consultation.
For more information see the Minnesota Duty of Other Drivers Statute 169.444.
