Passing a stopped school bus unlawfully is a serious traffic offense in South Carolina.
Law enforcement takes these violations very seriously, and a conviction can result in hefty fines, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even a suspension of your driving privileges. If you have been cited for unlawfully passing a school bus, you have legal options to challenge the ticket and avoid harsh penalties. At Chambers Law., we fight to protect your driving record and help you navigate the legal process.
Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
Understanding South Carolina’s School Bus Passing Laws
South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 56-5-2770) states that all drivers must stop for a school bus that is displaying flashing red lights and has its stop arm extended. Unlawfully passing a school bus occurs when a driver:
- Fails to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children
- Passes a stopped school bus on a two-lane road
- Fails to remain stopped until the bus moves or the stop arm is retracted
- Passes a stopped school bus in a school zone
However, in some situations, drivers may be legally allowed to proceed without stopping:
- If the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway with a median
- If the road has multiple lanes and vehicles are traveling in the opposite direction
- If a traffic officer or school bus driver signals that passing is allowed
Penalties for Unlawfully Passing a School Bus
South Carolina imposes strict penalties for this violation, including:
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- Six points added to your driving record
- License suspension for repeat offenders
- Possible jail time for severe violations or repeat offenses
- Increased auto insurance rates
How the South Carolina Point System Works
South Carolina assigns penalty points for traffic violations. Unlawfully passing a school bus is a six-point offense, meaning:
- Six points – One conviction can put you halfway to a license suspension
- 12 or more points – Automatic driver’s license suspension
Points remain on your record but are reduced by half after one year. However, accumulating new violations can quickly lead to another suspension.
Why You Should Fight a School Bus Passing Ticket
Many drivers assume they should just pay the fine and move on, but doing so can have long-term consequences. Fighting your ticket may help you:
- Avoid heavy fines and penalties
- Reduce or eliminate points on your record
- Prevent license suspension
- Protect your insurance premiums from increasing
- Challenge law enforcement’s interpretation of the event
Common Defenses Against Unlawfully Passing a School Bus Charges
At Chambers Law, we carefully evaluate every case and build strong defenses, including:
- Obstructed View: If your line of sight was blocked, you may not have been able to see the bus’s stop signals.
- Divided Road Exception: If you were on a divided highway, passing may have been legal.
- Faulty or Malfunctioning Signals: If the school bus lights or stop arm malfunctioned, the violation may not be valid.
- Officer Misinterpretation: In some cases, an officer may have misjudged the situation or failed to properly assess the circumstances.
How Chambers Law Can Help
At Chambers Law, we take an aggressive approach to defending clients charged with unlawfully passing a school bus. Our firm:
- Reviews traffic camera footage, officer reports, and witness statements
- Challenges unclear road markings, weather conditions, and officer errors
- Negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Represents clients in court to fight for the best possible outcome
