If you have received a school bus ticket in Pennsylvania, you have the right to contest it through a specific legal process. This guide is for Pennsylvania drivers who have received a school bus ticket and want to understand their rights and the steps to contest the citation. Understanding the process is important to avoid fines, points on your license, and possible suspension. School bus tickets can result in a $250 fine, 5 points on your driving record, and a 60-day license suspension, so knowing how to fight the ticket is crucial.

Step-by-Step Summary: How to Fight a School Bus Ticket in Pennsylvania

Receiving a Citation: You will typically receive the school bus ticket by mail, often based on camera footage or a bus driver’s report.
Reviewing the Evidence: Examine the evidence package, which may include video footage, photos, GPS data, and the license plate number.
Responding to the Citation: You have ten days to respond to the ticket. Ignoring it can lead to additional penalties.
Requesting a Hearing: If you wish to contest the ticket, request a hearing with the issuing authority or local magistrate court.
Preparing for the Hearing: Gather evidence, consider hiring an attorney, and prepare your defense.
Court Process: Present your case, review the evidence, and await the judge’s decision.
Possible Outcomes: The ticket may be dismissed, reduced, or upheld, affecting fines, points, and your driving record.

How to Fight a School Bus Ticket in Pennsylvania

Receiving a Citation

School bus tickets are usually issued for not stopping when a bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Many school districts in Pennsylvania use enforcement programs with stop-arm cameras to detect violations. You rarely receive a ticket at the scene; instead, it is sent by mail, often based on camera footage or a bus driver’s report that includes the license plate number of the offending vehicle. Law enforcement agencies review and process these violations in accordance with state law.

Act quickly to avoid extra penalties. Law enforcement can issue citations to the vehicle’s registered owner based on the bus driver’s report and camera footage.

Responding to the Citation

If you want to contest the ticket, you can present your case in court. The evidence package typically includes the license plate number of the vehicle involved, along with video or photos, which you can review to understand the violation and prepare your defense.

You have ten days to respond before the court acts for no response. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the ticket after the violation. The process for contesting a citation is governed by state law.

Court Process

If you choose to fight the ticket, you must request a hearing with the issuing authority or local magistrate court. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and arguments. The judge will review the evidence from both sides and make a decision. The outcome may result in the ticket being dismissed, reduced, or upheld, which will affect any fines, points, and your driving record.

Understanding the Pennsylvania Stopped School Bus Stopping Law

The Law

You must stop at least ten feet away from a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended. According to Pennsylvania state law, this applies when you approach from behind or the opposite direction on an undivided road. On a two-lane road, all vehicles in both directions must stop for a stopped school bus. The flashing red lights mean you must stop to protect children boarding or leaving the bus. This law helps keep schoolchildren safe and makes schools safer.

Click here to view the full Pennsylvania School Bus Stopping Law.

Exceptions

You do not need to stop if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier or median. On roads with four or more lanes divided by a median, only traffic behind the bus must stop. Vehicles going the opposite way do not have to stop. On a two-lane road, state law requires all vehicles in both directions to stop for a stopped school bus. If unsure, it is safer to stop. In some places, police officers, crossing guards, or bus drivers can wave traffic on, even when red lights flash.

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for passing a stopped school bus are determined by state law. Breaking this law leads to fines, points on your license, and license suspension. In Pennsylvania, the fine for passing a stopped school bus illegally is $250 and carries 5 points on your record and a 60-day license suspension.

Always be careful and watch for stopped buses with flashing red lights and stop arms. Illegally passing a stopped school bus is considered a serious traffic violation. Ignoring these signals risks children’s safety and can cause legal trouble.

Now that you understand the law, let’s look at the roles of school bus drivers and law enforcement in enforcing these rules.

The Role of School Bus Drivers and Law Enforcement

School Bus Drivers’ Responsibilities

Bus drivers follow school bus safety laws carefully. They use flashing red lights and stop arms at each stop to signal traffic to stop. The bus driver is responsible for signaling when it is safe for students to cross the street and for monitoring student behavior during loading and unloading to ensure everyone’s safety.

They also report stop arm violations. When drivers see illegal passing, they note details like license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. This helps law enforcement hold violators accountable, even if officers are not present.

Law Enforcement’s Role

Law enforcement agencies operate enforcement programs that use stop arm cameras to detect violations. These enforcement programs are designed to enhance school bus safety by reducing violations and protecting students. When a violation occurs, the stop arm camera captures clear evidence, including the license plate number of the offending vehicle. Officers review this evidence, including the license plate number, to identify the vehicle and issue citations or prosecute offenders. Using this technology makes enforcement more effective and deters violations.

Officers also educate drivers about school bus safety. They run public awareness campaigns and provide materials to teach the community about the dangers of passing stopped buses. These efforts help reduce confusion, especially on divided highways and multi-lane roads, keeping school-age children safer.

Together, bus drivers and law enforcement make school bus stops safer. Their work reduces violations and promotes respect for pupil transportation services. Drivers should stay alert, follow school bus safety laws, and drive carefully around buses to help keep students safe all year. Increased enforcement, education, and safety technology all help make schools and communities safer.

With an understanding of enforcement roles, let’s explore the types of tickets and infractions you might receive.

School Bus Camera Tickets – Civil Infractions

A school bus camera ticket is a civil infraction issued when an automated enforcement camera captures a vehicle illegally passing a stopped school bus. The evidence package for a school bus camera ticket is sent to law enforcement for review before a citation is issued. Some states permit automated enforcement cameras to issue citations for illegally passing a stopped school bus, provided the footage is reviewed by law enforcement. The evidence package typically includes video footage, GPS data, and the license plate number.

A civil infraction is a non-criminal offense, meaning it does not add points to your license or cause a license suspension. Civil infractions are handled through administrative or civil processes rather than criminal court.

Here are some tips to identify your ticket type:

Civil infractions show a vehicle picture and say “civil infraction” on the ticket.
Police-issued tickets have the local magistrate court’s address and no pictures.

Violation events are recorded by school bus cameras. Drivers can contest camera tickets by reviewing the evidence package, which includes video, GPS data, and the license plate number.

The issuance and contesting of civil infractions is governed by state law.

Now that you know the types of tickets, let’s discuss how to gather evidence to support your case.

Gather Evidence

To build your defense, collect evidence that supports your case or shows the ticket was unfair. Key pieces of evidence include photographs or video footage of the incident, witness statements, the license plate number of the vehicle involved, and any relevant documentation.

Drivers can contest a school bus camera ticket by reviewing the evidence package that includes video and GPS telemetry.

The process for submitting evidence is governed by state law, which outlines the required procedures and documentation for contesting a school bus ticket.

Types of Evidence to Collect

Witness statements from passengers or other drivers who saw what happened.
Photos or videos showing traffic conditions and whether you could stop safely.
GPS data to confirm your location and speed during the incident.
License plate number to identify the vehicle involved in the violation.

Violation events are recorded by school bus cameras. Drivers can contest tickets by reviewing video footage and GPS data.

Once you have gathered your evidence, you may want to consult an attorney for further guidance.

Consult an Attorney

Consider hiring a traffic violation attorney, especially if fines are high or your license may be suspended. An attorney can give advice and represent you in court.

Steps With an Attorney

Review the ticket with you.
Contact the issuing authority to request a hearing.
Help prepare for the hearing.

Education and awareness are key parts of transportation safety programs. Teaching drivers to drive safely near school buses helps reduce violations. Drivers should avoid distractions like texting or using cell phones near school zones and bus stops to protect children.

National and Statewide Context

Each year, school buses are illegally passed at an alarming rate, creating significant safety risks for students. In Florida, drivers pass stopped buses more than three times per bus daily. In 2023, 8,432 Florida bus drivers reported 11,224 illegal passings in one day, totaling over 2 million in a 180-day school year. Nationally, about 43.5 million illegal passings happen yearly in the U.S., according to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. In New York State, it is estimated that 50,000 vehicles pass stopped school buses illegally every day. Studies show up to 30,000 violations occur in one day in busy urban areas.

Enforcement programs, such as those implemented in Montgomery County, Maryland, utilize stop arm cameras and automated camera systems to detect and document violations, resulting in thousands of citations issued in various projects. The York State Department is an example of a jurisdiction with strict enforcement and widespread use of stop-arm cameras to protect students. The National Conference of State Legislators has reported an increase in the number of states using school bus stop-arm cameras to record motorists who violate school bus traffic laws. All school buses will be equipped with stop-arm enforcement cameras designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, further enhancing student safety. Automated camera systems can identify a large number of violations, supporting law enforcement and community safety initiatives.

Understanding the broader context highlights the importance of following Pennsylvania’s laws and contesting tickets when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a school bus ticket for passing a stopped bus?

A: Review the evidence provided, such as video footage or photos, and respond within the required timeframe, usually ten days. You may choose to pay the fine or contest the ticket by requesting a hearing.

Can I contest a school bus camera ticket?

A: Yes, you can contest the ticket by reviewing the evidence package, which often includes video and GPS data. The process for issuing and contesting citations is governed by state law, so be sure to follow the procedures required in your jurisdiction. Preparing your defense with supporting evidence can improve your chances in court.

What are the penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus in Pennsylvania?

A: Penalties typically include a $250 fine, 5 points on your driving record, and a 60-day license suspension for a first offense.

When am I required to stop for a school bus?

A: You must stop when a school bus has its red flashing lights on and stop arm extended, whether you are approaching from behind or the opposite direction on an undivided road. Exceptions apply on divided highways with a physical barrier.

Who enforces school bus stop laws?

A: Law enforcement agencies operate enforcement programs that use both manual patrols and automated systems, such as stop arm cameras, to detect violations. Law enforcement officers review reports from bus drivers and camera footage to issue citations. School bus drivers also report violations to help enforce the law.

How do stop-arm cameras work?

A: Cameras installed on school buses as part of automated enforcement programs capture video and the license plate number of vehicles that illegally pass when the bus’s red lights are flashing and stop arm is extended. Law enforcement officers review this footage and, in accordance with state law, issue citations to the registered owner of the vehicle unless the automobile was proven stolen during the offense.

What can I do to avoid getting a school bus ticket?

A: Always stop for buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms, obey speed limits near bus stops, avoid distractions such as using a cell phone, and stay alert for children around school buses.

Are school bus violations common?

A: Yes, studies show millions of illegal passings occur nationally each year, with some states reporting tens of thousands daily. Increased enforcement and education aim to reduce these violations.

Can someone other than the vehicle owner be held responsible for a school bus violation?

A: Generally, citations are issued to the registered vehicle owner. However, in some jurisdictions, only law enforcement officers who witness the violation can issue a citation for illegally passing a stopped school bus. If someone else was driving, the owner may request a transfer of liability by providing proof.

What role do education and awareness play in school bus safety?

A: Education helps improve motorist behavior by informing drivers about the importance of stopping for school buses, which ultimately improves student safety and reduces violations.

Fighting a school bus ticket in Pennsylvania can be complex. But knowing your rights and following the right steps can help you contest the ticket and keep a clean driving record. Hiring an attorney gives you the best chance to stay on the road. Contact The Shelton Firm today for a free consultation to explore your options after a school bus ticket.