School Bus Stop Arm Crimes and How They Get You
In Minnesota, stop arm violations occur when drivers fail to comply with the traffic rules regarding school buses. Specifically, drivers must stop their vehicles at least 20 feet away from a school bus that has displayed its stop sign, activated flashing red lights, and extended its stop arm. It is crucial not to resume driving until the bus driver retracts the stop arm. Additionally, driving on the right side of a school bus when its amber lights are flashing, indicating it is preparing to stop, is also prohibited. However, how does the government prove these allegations? Cameras. If you are facing a stop arm violation in Minnesota, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
“Schools and transportation companies have installed cameras on approximately 7,000 school buses. This figure represents approximately 59% of all school buses in Minnesota.”
Bus Stop Arm Cameras and How Much the Government Invests in Them
In an effort to beef up enforcement and safety measures for students traveling to and from school, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has recently awarded a total of $14 million in state-funded grants in the last several years for the installation of bus stop arm cameras. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement agencies such as the Minnesota State Patrol, police departments, and sheriff's offices statewide. The purpose is to provide proof of the violations and to increase the likelihood of a successful prosecution.
Addressing the Prevalence of Violations:
Previous grant recipients have captured numerous instances of drivers disregarding stop arm signals, showcasing the urgent need for stricter enforcement and awareness. For instance, just two bus services reported 232 violations in the first 3 months of 2023. Since the beginning of the grant period, schools and transportation companies have worked diligently to install cameras on approximately 7,000 school buses. This figure represents approximately 59% of all school buses in Minnesota. According to the government, stop arm cameras play a crucial role in identifying violators and holding them accountable, ensuring the safety of students.
The Consequences of Stop Arm Violations:
Stop arm violations are not to be taken lightly, as they can result in severe penalties. Depending on the circumstances, drivers can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor, both of which can result in jail time and significant fines. Failing to stop for a school bus stop arm is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to a criminal conviction, up to 90 days in jail, and fines up to $1000. However, if the violation includes passing the bus on the right side while the stop arm is engaged or driving past the bus while a child is outside, it becomes a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor charge can result in a criminal conviction, up to 360 days in jail, and fines up to $3000. In addition, there may be further consequences such as driver's license suspension or revocation. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation.
“It is important to remember that a stop arm violation isn’t just a traffic ticket. It is a crime and they actually can put you in jail.”
Conclusion:
The implementation of stop arm cameras on school buses is a proactive step toward addressing the persistent issue of stop arm violations, protecting the lives of our students, and promoting safe driving practices. The ramifications of a violation can be severe. These are criminal charges. It is important to remember that. If you are facing such charges anywhere in Minnesota, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. If you have been able to avoid a criminal record to this point in your life, why start now.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.