Can I Just Pay the Ticket on a School Bus Stop Arm Violation in Minnesota?
If you think a school bus stop arm violation is just another traffic ticket that you can pay and forget about, think again. This is not a minor traffic offense like running a stop sign or speeding. These violations are usually considered criminal offenses. Depending on the specific charge, you could face severe penalties, including up to 90 days in jail for a misdemeanor or up to one year for a gross misdemeanor. If you are facing a stop arm violation charge in Minnesota, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota school bus stop arm violation criminal defense attorney.
It's easy to miss the flashing lights of a school bus in the midst of all the activity on the road: other cars, trucks, city buses, pedestrians, and even people standing nearby. But what happens if you're driving behind a school bus in stop-and-go traffic, and the bus stops, activates its flashing red lights, and extends its stop sign, but you miss it and continue driving past the bus? You may have just committed a serious crime, not just a simple traffic violation.
“Remember, this is not a simple traffic ticket. The police can arrest you for this and put you in jail.”
What is a School Bus Stop Arm Violation?
In Minnesota, drivers are required to stop at least 20 feet away from any school bus displaying its stop sign and flashing red lights. Moreover, you should not proceed until the school bus driver retracts the stop arm. It's also illegal to pass a school bus on the right side when its amber lights are flashing, as these lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop.
Could I be Charged with a Crime?
Yes, a school bus stop arm violation is more than just a traffic ticket or speeding ticket. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges, both of which could lead to jail time.
Misdemeanor Charges
Failing to stop and continuing to drive past the bus could result in a misdemeanor charge, which can lead to:
A criminal conviction
Up to 90 days in jail
Up to a $1,000 fine
Gross Misdemeanor Charges
More serious offenses, such as passing on the right side when the bus’s stop arm is extended or attempting to drive past the bus while a child is outside, could lead to gross misdemeanor charges. Penalties for these charges include:
A criminal conviction
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to a $3,000 fine
Additionally, under certain circumstances, you could also face a driver’s license suspension or revocation.
“The busses now have high tech cameras to document violators.”
Seek Legal Assistance
If you are facing charges for a school bus stop arm violation, understanding your rights and the potential consequences is crucial. Contact an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney for advice and representation.
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former CIA Officer, and a former prosecutor. He is also the founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.