Passing a school bus when its stop sign is out and its lights are flashing is not only dangerous but also illegal. It is a violation that is taken seriously due to the risks it poses to the safety of school children using the road.
As a driver, if you’re caught passing a school bus illegally, you can face severe consequences, including getting a ticket and points on your driving record. However, how long does it take to get a ticket for passing a school bus?
It takes between 14 to 30 days to get a ticket for passing a school bus. The school bus driver must report the violation before the ticket is processed and sent to your mail. However, if you were pulled over on the spot by the police, the ticket will be issued to you immediately.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Ticket for Passing a School Bus?
The processing time for a ticket related to passing a school bus can vary based on the legal system and the procedures in place.
Generally, traffic violations are processed relatively quickly, and drivers receive their tickets within a few weeks of the incident.
The timeline may be influenced by factors such as the workload of the appropriate authorities responsible for issuing the ticket and the method used to issue the ticket.
However, if the ticket is issued on the spot, the driver will be provided with a copy, and the information will be forwarded to the relevant traffic court for processing.
On the other hand, if the ticket is mailed, the driver may receive it within a few weeks (14 – 30 days) of the incident.
In either case, once the ticket is in the hands of the driver, they are required to respond within a specified timeframe.
This response may involve:
- Paying the fine
- Contesting the ticket in court, or
- Attending a traffic school, depending on the options available in the jurisdiction.
If a driver chooses to contest the ticket, the legal proceedings may extend the timeline for resolution. Court dates need to be scheduled, the evidence presented, and a judgment rendered.
The overall process can take several months, and the driver will be informed of the court’s decision in due course.
Meanwhile, as a driver, it is important to note that the consequences of passing a school bus when you should not whether accidentally or not, extend beyond the immediate issuance of a ticket.
Penalties for this offense include fines, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the number of previous violations. Points may be added to the driver’s record, leading to increased insurance premiums.
In some cases, your driver’s license may be suspended, and you may be required to attend traffic school as part of your penalty where you will be educated about the dangers of your actions to promote safer driving habits.
Completing traffic school may have the benefit of reducing the number of points on your driver’s record.
Conclusion
Accidentally passing a school bus illegally is a serious offense that jeopardizes the safety of school children. The process of receiving a ticket for this violation involves immediate consequences, ticket processing time, legal proceedings, and penalties.
The ticket will be processed and sent to your mail within 14 to 30 days of the incident occurring. You can’t escape it.