Earlier this year, Governor Kemp signed a new school bus law aimed at addressing the long-standing concerns related to school bus safety and the conduct of motorists around these buses. It is also known as Addy's law after Adalynn Pierce was struck and killed by an illegally passing vehicle, while attempting to board her school bus. The driver reportedly drove past the school bus with its stop arm out, hitting and killing Pierce. It is important for you to understand this new law and the serious penalties that will now be imposed if found to have unlawfully passed a school bus after July 1, 2024.
Key Provisions of the New Law
- Enhanced Penalties for Violations: The new law imposes stricter penalties on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Motorists must now stop for school buses displaying the extended stop arm and flashing red lights, irrespective of the direction from which they are approaching the bus. While this was previously considered to be a misdemeanor offense, Addy's law has increased the penalty to a high and aggravated misdemeanor, resulting in a fine of no less than $1,000, 12 months in jail, or both. As a high and aggravated misdemeanor, that means if a person serves any jail time, they won't get any 2 for 1 credit. In addition, it will come with 6 points on your drivers license. These are significant changes and if you have been charged, it is critical that you contact our Unlawfully Passing a School Bus Lawyers in Georgia as soon as possible.
- Enhanced Penalties for Mailed Tickets: In the past, drivers may have received a ticket via mail for unlawfully passing a school bus. This has been a civil infraction punishable by a fine of $250.00. However, the new law going into effect July 1, will increase the penalty from $250.00 to $1,000.00. Right now, for a first offense, the civil infraction does not carry any points or go on your motor vehicle record. However after July 1, upon a second or subsequent violation, the new law allows for law enforcement to notify the driver's car insurance company of the violations.
- Use of Technology for Enforcement: To bolster enforcement, the law permits the installation of stop-arm cameras on school buses. These cameras capture footage of vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, providing clear evidence for law enforcement agencies to issue citations. This technology-driven approach ensures that violators are held accountable, even when law enforcement officers are not present on the scene. This means that even if there is no police officer at the scene where you passed the bus, you could still be charged based on the cameras.
- Bus Driver Responsibilities: The law also outlines specific responsibilities for school bus drivers to enhance safety. Drivers are required to use stop-arm signals appropriately, ensure all children have safely boarded or disembarked the bus, and follow specific procedures at railroad crossings. This comprehensive approach ensures that bus drivers contribute effectively to the overall safety strategy.
Implications for Different Parties
- Parents and Students: For parents, the new law provides reassurance that their children will have safer commutes to and from school. Students are also educated about the importance of bus safety and are encouraged to follow safety protocols diligently.
- Motorists: Drivers in Georgia need to be more vigilant and adhere to the new rules to avoid penalties. The heightened penalties can have serious consequences for drivers. If you or a loved one have been charged under this new law, contact our experienced team of Unlawful Passing of School Bus Attorneys today.
- School Districts: School districts must ensure that their buses are equipped with the necessary technology and that their drivers are trained in accordance with the new requirements. In addition, the public school system shall ensure that any stop at which a student is required to enter or exit the school bus is located upon the same side of the roadway as the door to the bus. The bill also calls for public school systems to consider routes that don't have stops requiring a student getting on a school bus to cross a road with a speed limit of 40 mph or greater.
Call Our Office Today
Georgia's new school bus law marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of school children across the state. It is critical that drivers understand the stricter penalties that will be imposed if caught passing a school bus. The Law Office of Richard S. Lawson is here to help and with decades of experience, our Georgia Unlawfully Passing a School Bus Lawyers understand what it takes to achieve the outcome you need. Call now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
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