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Not Stopping For A School Bus – What’s the New York State Law?

Posted on: August 17th, 2018

school-bus-1-521624-mAccording to the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day. Whether by accident or intentionally, these illegal maneuvers are putting drivers, passengers and children at risk on a regular basis.

What Are New York State’s School Bus Laws?

New York traffic law states that traffic from either direction approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights must stop before reaching the bus. Drivers should stop their vehicles at least 20 feet from the bus. You MUST stop whether you are approaching a school bus from the front or from the rear. Even on divided or multi-lane highways, you must stop when you see the lights.

School buses are equipped with yellow warning lights that flash before the bus comes to a complete stop. These lights indicate that the bus is slowing down and will be pausing to drop off passengers. If you see these lights, slow down and prepare to stop.

You must wait for the bus to turn off its flashing red lights before proceeding. Be sure to keep an eye out for children crossing the road or walking along the road after being dropped off at the bus stop. They may still be present even after the bus has pulled away.

What Are The Consequences If I Don’t Stop For A School Bus in NY?

Besides the potential of injuring a child, first offenders in New York State will receive a minimum fine of $250.00 and a maximum fine of $400.00 for neglecting to stop for a school bus. First offenders may also face up to 30 days of imprisonment.

Many district attorneys’ offices and counties throughout the State of New York will not plea bargain on tickets issued for failing to stop for a stopped school bus and will recommend the Judge impose a jail sentence as part of  the sentence.

Your second conviction within 3 years will land you a minimum of a $600.00 fine and a maximum of $750.00 with a  possibility of up to 180 days in prison.  A third time offender within a 3 year period faces a minimum fine of $750.00 and a maximum fine of  $1,000.00 with a possibility of up to 180 days in prison.

Help Keep Kids, Passengers & Drivers Safe. Watch Out For School Buses!

Remember, yellow lights mean the bus is going to slow down. Red lights mean students are getting on or off the bus. Stay alert and drive carefully. The consequences of your neglectful behavior could be deadly.

Was your child seriously injured as a result of a motor vehicle operator failing to stop for a school bus? If so, contact us immediately for a free consultation.

With three convenient office locations in Albany, Saugerties and Johnstown, our personal injury attorneys are conveniently located to serve communities throughout the Capital Region and the Hudson Valley. Our team has decades of experience serving clients just like you, and we’ll work hard to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Take the first step towards recovering after someone else’s negligence left your child seriously injured. Give us a call at (800) 721-3553 or contact us online for a free consultation and case review.

Editor’s Note: This content was originally published in 2014 but has been updated as of August 2018.

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