Published by the Gordon Slade Law Firm – San Antonio Traffic Tickets Lawyers

Passing a School Bus: Violations and Legal Consequences in Texas

San Antonio’s vibrant neighborhoods and sprawling suburbs mean school buses are a common sight, especially during morning and afternoon rushes along routes like Bandera Road or the bustling I-10 corridor. But in a split second of impatience, passing a stopped school bus can turn a routine drive into a severe legal headache. Under Texas law, this isn’t just a minor traffic infraction—it’s a misdemeanor designed to protect children, with penalties that can hit your wallet hard and jeopardize your driving privileges. If you’ve been ticketed for passing a school bus in Bexar County, you’re not alone; hundreds of such violations occur annually in San Antonio alone. The silver lining? Skilled local attorneys can dissect the charge, challenge evidence, and potentially get it dismissed or reduced. In this guide, we’ll explore the rules, repercussions, and how San Antonio legal experts like those at Carabin Shaw can steer you clear of the worst outcomes.

The Law on Passing a School Bus in Texas

Texas Transportation Code Section 545.066 is crystal clear: When a school bus stops to load or unload students and activates its visual signals—flashing red lights and an extended stop arm—oncoming drivers must stop at least 20 feet away, while drivers in the same direction must stop at least 10 feet behind (or stop entirely on multi-lane undivided roads). This applies regardless of whether you’re approaching from the front or following behind, unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway (like a physical barrier or median preventing crossing). On undivided roads, even multi-lane setups like Loop 410 require all traffic in both directions to halt—no exceptions for the “inner lane.”

The rule’s rationale? Children are unpredictable; they dart into traffic, and buses create blind spots. Proceed only when the bus resumes motion, the driver signals you forward, or the lights retract. Exceptions are narrow: controlled-access highways with designated loading zones where pedestrians can’t cross, or if the bus is on a separate roadway. Violating this—whether by zooming past or inching through—triggers an immediate citation, often captured by onboard cameras in San Antonio-area districts like Northside ISD or San Antonio ISD.

Enforcement has ramped up as of 2025, with TxDOT reporting advanced camera systems reducing stop-arm violations by up to 40% statewide. In Bexar County, tickets arrive via mail if video evidence nails your license plate, making it harder to contest without proof.

The Steep Legal Consequences

A first-time conviction for passing a school bus is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,250—far steeper than a standard speeding ticket. Add court costs, and you’re looking at $700–$1,500 out of pocket. Repeat offenses within five years escalate to $1,000–$2,000 fines, and judges can suspend your driver’s license for up to six months. If your illegal pass causes serious bodily injury, it jumps to a Class A misdemeanor with potential jail time up to one year; a prior injury-related conviction makes it a state jail felony, carrying 180 days to two years behind bars.

Beyond fines, the ripple effects sting. The violation adds three points to your Texas driving record, pushing you toward automatic suspension if you rack up six in 12 months or 18 in 24. Insurance premiums? Expect a 25–60% spike, as carriers flag you as high-risk—potentially adding $500–$1,000 annually. For San Antonio commuters relying on a clean record for rideshare gigs or CDL jobs, this could mean lost income. Unpaid fines lead to warrants, vehicle impoundment (another $300–$500 hit), or even collections. In extreme cases involving accidents, civil lawsuits from injured families could follow, amplifying costs into tens of thousands.

Real talk: In 2024, Texas saw 2,480 school bus-related crashes, killing 11 and seriously injuring 93—many tied to passing violations. With 2025 trends emphasizing camera tech, expect more tickets and zero tolerance from prosecutors in the Bexar County Municipal Court.

Common Defenses and Why DIY Often Fails

You might think, “It was just a quick pass—no kids were crossing.” But courts don’t buy excuses like “I didn’t see the lights” or “Traffic was backed up.” Self-representation sounds appealing—pay the fine online or show up to plead for mercy—but it rarely works. Prosecutors in San Antonio’s fast-paced dockets (10–20 cases per hour) pounce on unrepresented drivers, securing convictions 80% of the time. Without challenging the video’s clarity, the officer’s probable cause for the stop, or the bus signal timing, you’re handing them a win.

Deferred disposition is an option for first-timers: Plead no contest, take a defensive driving course, and get the charge dismissed after six months. But qualifying requires a spotless recent record, and missing deadlines voids it. Community service can offset fines if you’re low-income, but navigating forms solo is a maze.

How San Antonio Attorneys Can Fight Your Ticket

Enter the pros: Traffic defense attorneys in San Antonio, versed in Bexar County’s quirks, turn the odds. Firms like Carabin Shaw, with over 30 years handling local violations, boast dismissal rates above 90% for school bus cases. Here’s their playbook:

1. Thorough Evidence Review

Your lawyer subpoenas the bus video, dashcam footage, and officer notes, hunting flaws—like blurry plates, incorrect timestamps, or no proof of active signals. In one 2024 case, a North Side driver beat a $1,200 fine when experts proved the stop arm deployed post-pass.

2. Aggressive Negotiation

Attorneys plea-bargain with prosecutors for reductions to non-reportable offenses (no points, no premium hike). They leverage first-offender programs or argue “divided highway” exceptions if applicable. For repeats, they petition for probationary terms, avoiding suspension.

3. Courtroom Advocacy

They appear for you, cross-examining witnesses and citing precedents like TxDOT guidelines. In the Bexar court, knowing judges’ leniency on technical errors sways outcomes—saving clients thousands.

4. Long-Term Protection

Post-resolution, they help expunge records, file SR-22 waivers if needed, and advise on insurance appeals. Flat fees run $250–$500, often less than a conviction’s hidden costs. Free consults let you gauge fit—Carabin Shaw offers 24/7 lines at 800-862-1260.

A recent San Antonio example: A parent ticketed via camera on Huebner Road. Their attorney highlighted a median “dividing” the road, dismissing the charge outright.

Steps to Take If Ticketed for Passing a School Bus

1. Read the Citation Carefully: Note the court date (typically 10–30 days) and precinct (e.g., downtown vs. Northeast).
2. Preserve Evidence: Snap photos of the scene, gather witness contacts, and request bus footage ASAP.
3. Secure Legal Help: Google “San Antonio school bus ticket lawyer” or call Carabin Shaw. Avoid paying the fine until advised—it admits guilt.
4. Prepare for Court: If fighting, plead not guilty; your attorney handles discovery.
5. Follow Through: Complete any courses or payments promptly to clear your record.

Preventing School Bus Violations: Drive Smart

Stay safe:

• Scan Ahead: Spot yellow flashing lights (slow down) before red (stop).
• Obey Zones: No passing within 20 feet—err on caution in school areas.
• Educate Yourself: TxDOT’s online quiz reinforces rules.
• Tech Aids: Apps like Waze alert to bus stops.

Wrapping Up: Protect Your Future on San Antonio Roads

Passing a school bus isn’t worth the risk—to kids or your livelihood. With fines up to $2,000, suspensions, and lifelong record stains, a single lapse can cost dearly. But with a San Antonio attorney in your corner, you can challenge the charge, minimize damage, and drive on confidently. At Carabin Shaw, we’re committed to Bexar County drivers, fighting for dismissals and fair outcomes daily. Don’t face the bench alone—call 800-862-1260 for a no-obligation consult today. Safe travels, and remember: When yellow flashes, slow; when red, stop.