VTL § 1174 (b) “Failed to Keep School Bus Halted/Lighted.”

Not to be confused with VTL § 1174 (a) “Failed to Stop for School Bus.”

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1174(b) speaks to school bus drivers and outlines what they are supposed to do when children are getting on or off the bus. Among other rules it requires that the driver keep the bus sign out until the children are on the sidewalk or at least fifteen feet from the bus. The failure to do as much can result in a traffic ticket that will put two points on the driver’s record. The maximum fine for a first-time offense is $150 +$93 surcharge. This will also cause increased insurance rates. Most importantly, such a violation appearing on your record means it will be difficult to obtain employment as a school bus driver.

Statute

The wording of VTL § 1174(b) provides:

(b) The driver of such school bus, when receiving or discharging passengers who must cross a public highway, street or private road, shall instruct such passengers to cross in front of the bus and the driver thereof shall keep such school bus halted with red signal lights flashing until such passengers have reached the opposite side of such highway, street or private road. Whether such passengers are crossing such highway street or private road or discharging to the same side of such highway, street or private road, the driver of such bus shall keep such school bus halted with red signal lights flashing until such passengers are at least fifteen feet from the bus and either off the highway, street or private road or on a sidewalk.

Fighting a Traffic Ticket

It is imperative that the recipient of this traffic ticket take legal action to ensure that the violation does not appear on their driving abstract. Retaining a traffic ticket law firm to fight your ticket has several advantages. An experienced traffic attorney is well versed in traffic law, court procedures, and possible defenses. They are in the best position to beat the charges. Your lawyer should also be able to make any necessary court appearances in your place, saving you the stress of appearing in court and saving your time.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

The Benjamin Goldman Law Office is a New York traffic ticket law firm. Our firm focuses exclusively on traffic ticket defense, and we help clients throughout New York State. We help motorists in the following regions: North Country, Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Western New York, Southern Tier, Catskills, Hudson Valley, Upstate New York, New York City, and Long Island. The team at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office has substantial experience in traffic law and all types of traffic-related charges. We are confident that we can help with your 1174B ticket. Please contact us at your convenience and we can review your case in detail. The Benjamin Goldman Law Office provides all motorists with a free consultation. We can be reached by website submission, text message, email, or phone call. We look forward to working on your ticket.

Fight the VTL § 1174 (b) Ticket