Minnesota School Bus Stop Arm Violation (Explained)

 

When a school bus is stopped on a street or highway and displays an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus must stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. Failure to do so may result in a passing a stopped bus charge.  If you have been cited for violation Minnesota Statute 169.444 ... then you should contact an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney. 

It is also a crime for a person to pass or attempt to pass a school bus in a motor vehicle on the right-hand passenger side of the door when the bus is displaying the pre-warning flashing signals.

Passing a Stopped School Bus Consequences

In the State of Minnesota, someone convicted of failing to stop a vehicle while a school bus has its stop-arm extended is guilty of a misdemeanor. 

However, a person may also be charged with a gross-misdemeanor if they fail to stop their motor vehicle and commit one or both of the following:

• Passing or attempting to pass the school bus on the right-hand passenger-door side of the bus; and/or
• Passing or attempting to pass the school bus in a motor vehicle when a child is outside of and on the street used by the school bus or on the adjacent sidewalk.

Driver’s License Sanctions

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense, a passing a stopped school bus conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension or revocation.



 

Illegally passing a school bus is a serious offense with severe consequences. Having an experienced attorney is therefore essential to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Call the Rolloff Law Office to get more information about what you can/should do ... so as not to make things any worse.  FREE CONSULTATIONS: (612) 234-1165