Ticket for Passing a School Bus in Allen

Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Passed a Stopped School Bus in Texas? Protect Your Driving Record.

Serious Consequences. Expert Legal Defense. Call The Beltz Law Group Today: 214-321-4105

It’s a common sight on Texas roads: a school bus stops, its red lights flash, and its stop sign extends. Yet, far too many drivers, whether due to distraction, misunderstanding, or impatience, fail to stop, risking the safety of children and incurring a serious traffic violation. If you’ve been issued a ticket for unlawfully passing a stopped school bus in Allen or anywhere in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the severe penalties and how to protect your driving record.

At The Beltz Law Group, we frequently assist clients with these types of citations. We understand the law and the potential impact a conviction can have on your life.

The Law: Passing a Stopped School Bus in Texas

The rules for passing a school bus are clearly defined in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 545.066. PASSING A SCHOOL BUS; OFFENSE.

(a) An operator on a highway, when approaching from either direction a school bus stopped on the highway to receive or discharge a student: (1) shall stop before reaching the school bus when the bus is operating a visual signal as required by Section 547.701; and (2) may not proceed until: (A) the school bus resumes motion; (B) the operator is signaled by the bus driver to proceed; or (C) the visual signal is no longer actuated.

(b) An operator on a highway having separate roadways is not required to stop: (1) for a school bus that is on a different roadway; or (2) if on a controlled-access highway, for a school bus that is stopped: (A) in a loading zone that is part of or contiguous to the highway; and (B) where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

In simpler terms:

• You MUST Stop: If you are approaching a school bus from either direction on a undivided highway, you must stop when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
• Stay Stopped Until: You can only proceed once the bus starts moving, the driver signals you to go, or the visual signals are turned off.
• Exceptions for Divided Highways: If the highway has a physical barrier or median separating traffic, you are generally not required to stop if the bus is on the opposite roadway. Similarly, on controlled-access highways (like freeways), you might not need to stop if the bus is in a designated loading zone where pedestrians aren’t allowed to cross the main lanes.

The Costly Penalties of a Conviction

A conviction for passing a stopped school bus is a serious matter in Texas, far more impactful than a typical speeding ticket. The penalties can be severe:

• High Fines: Fines for this offense are substantial, typically ranging from $500 to $1,250, plus court costs.
• Driver’s License Suspension: Unlike many other traffic tickets, a conviction for passing a stopped school bus can lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension of up to six months for a first offense. This is a direct consequence of the conviction itself, regardless of any “points” or other violations on your record. This can severely impact your ability to get to work, school, or manage daily responsibilities.
• Driving Record Impact: This is a serious moving violation that will appear on your official Texas driving record.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance provider will see this conviction as a major risk factor, almost certainly leading to significant increases in your premiums for years to come.
• CDL Holder Consequences: For commercial drivers (CDL holders), the penalties are even more severe. Due to federal anti-masking laws, you are generally ineligible for deferred disposition, meaning a conviction will go on your record. This can lead to job loss, CDL disqualifications, and make you uninsurable or unemployable.

How The Beltz Law Group Can Protect Your Record

Facing a “passing a school bus” ticket requires expert legal intervention. Don’t risk the high fines and potential license suspension by trying to handle this alone. Our Allen lawyers are experienced in defending these types of serious traffic violations.

We can:

• Evaluate Your Case: We’ll meticulously review the details of your citation, including the officer’s report, bus camera footage (if available), and the specific circumstances to identify any potential defenses.
• Negotiate for Dismissal: Our primary goal is to get the ticket dismissed, protecting your record from the start.
• Argue for Deferred Disposition (if eligible): While often restricted for this offense, depending on the specific court and circumstances, we may be able to negotiate for deferred disposition to keep the conviction off your record (if you are not a CDL holder).
• Challenge Evidence at Trial: If necessary, our attorneys are prepared to fight your case in court, challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• Represent You in Court: In many instances, you won’t need to appear in court yourself, saving you time and stress.

Don’t let a “passing a school bus” ticket lead to suspended driving privileges or a blemished record. If you have been issued this citation in Allen or anywhere in Texas, contact The Beltz Law Group today.

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