Understanding School Bus Stop Arm Violations and Their Legal Implications in Minnesota
In Minnesota, school bus stop arm violations occur when drivers neglect to follow crucial traffic laws meant to safeguard our children as they travel to and from school. Drivers are mandated to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when the stop sign is extended, the flashing red lights are activated, and the stop arm is in view. It is vital to remain stopped until the bus driver retracts the stop arm before proceeding. Moreover, it is illegal to pass a school bus on the right side when its amber lights are flashing, signaling that it is preparing to stop. So, how are these laws enforced? Through the implementation of cameras. If you find yourself facing a stop arm violation in Minnesota, consulting with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is essential.
“Its important to remember that a Stop Arm Violation is not simply a traffic ticket. This is likely a crime.”
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that about 7,000 school buses—approximately 59% of all buses in the state—are now outfitted with cameras to monitor compliance with these safety regulations.
Government Investment in Bus Stop Arm Cameras
To improve safety and enforce laws that protect children, the OTS has allocated $14 million in state-funded grants over recent years for the installation of bus stop arm cameras. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies across the state, all striving to gather evidence of violations to enhance the likelihood of successful prosecution.
Understanding the Scope of Violations
Recent statistics from grant recipients reveal a concerning trend: many drivers are ignoring stop arm signals, which underscores the need for heightened enforcement and public awareness. For instance, two bus services reported a total of 232 violations within just the first three months of 2023. Since the initiation of grant funding, schools and transportation entities have worked tirelessly to install cameras on thousands of school buses. These cameras play a crucial role in identifying those who violate the law, ensuring accountability in the interest of student safety.
Consequences of Stop Arm Violations
Stop arm violations carry serious consequences. Offenders may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor, which can both lead to jail time and hefty fines. A misdemeanor for failing to stop can result in penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines of as much as $1,000. More severe repercussions come if a driver passes the bus on the right with the stop arm extended or drives past while a child is nearby; these actions escalate the charge to a gross misdemeanor. Gross misdemeanors can carry penalties of up to 360 days in jail and fines up to $3,000. Furthermore, offenders may also face the suspension or revocation of their driver's license. For a free, confidential consultation, contact Jack Rice Defense today.
“If you’ve spent your entire life without a criminal charge, not is not the time to hope it all just goes away. It doesn’t.”
Final Thoughts
Implementing stop arm cameras on school buses is a critical step toward addressing violations, improving student safety, and promoting responsible driving behavior. The potential consequences of a stop arm violation are severe and can significantly affect your life. If you are facing such charges in Minnesota, seeking advice from a qualified criminal defense attorney is essential. For a free consultation, contact Jack Rice Defense at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. If you've managed to maintain a clean criminal record until now, why risk it?
Jack Rice is a nationally recognized and award-winning criminal defense attorney, named a Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2024 and listed among the Best Lawyers of 2023. He received the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award in 2021 and is the founder of Jack Rice Defense. Jack is also a recipient of the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA in 2020 and is a board-certified specialist in Criminal Law with the MSBA. With extensive experience as a former prosecutor and U.S. Central Intelligence Agency officer, Jack has decades of experience representing clients across a wide range of serious criminal cases.