Receiving a traffic citation for illegally passing a school bus can be overwhelming. Our Tampa school bus ticket attorney, Ryan Sulte, has spent over 20 years representing drivers charged with school bus violations and other traffic offenses. With extensive experience in Hillsborough County traffic courts, Ryan understands precisely what it takes to defend your rights effectively.

At Sulte Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your case, from investigating ticket details to appearing in court on your behalf. This proactive approach helps reduce the stress and uncertainty you may feel, ensuring you never have to face the legal system alone.

Local knowledge significantly impacts your outcome. Law enforcement officers aggressively patrol Tampa roadways, issuing citations frequently in neighborhoods such as South Tampa, Ybor City, Brandon, and Temple Terrace. Ryan’s familiarity with enforcement patterns in these areas often results in favorable outcomes, including ticket dismissals or reduced penalties.

Traffic violations are serious business in Hillsborough County, with over 26,000 crashes and approximately 17,000 injuries recorded in 2024 alone. The courts take school bus stop sign violations particularly seriously because of their potential danger to children. Attorney Ryan Sulte’s compassionate approach focuses not just on the legal issue itself but also on minimizing the negative impacts a conviction can have on your life and driving record.

Ultimately, having a dedicated and compassionate attorney advocating for you can mean the difference between harsh penalties and protecting your driving privileges. Attorney Ryan Sulte is here to ensure your voice is heard, your case receives fair treatment, and your rights remain protected.

Why Are School Bus Passing Violations Taken So Seriously in Florida?

Florida treats passing a stopped school bus as one of its most severe traffic violations. When a school bus stops and activates flashing red lights with its stop arm extended, children are boarding or exiting the bus. Failing to stop under these conditions endangers young pedestrians who are particularly vulnerable to injury or death.

Unfortunately, Florida has witnessed tragic outcomes from such violations. In one widely publicized case, 16 year old Cameron Mayhew was struck and killed by a driver illegally passing his stopped school bus. This devastating incident led directly to the Cameron Mayhew Act, which significantly increased penalties to deter drivers from ignoring school bus stop signals.

Statistics underscore the seriousness of this issue across the state. A recent survey found approximately one in three Florida school buses are illegally passed every day, equating to roughly 1.9 million violations during an average school year. In 2022 alone, nearly 3000 crashes involving school buses occurred statewide, highlighting the ongoing safety risks.

To address these alarming figures, Florida recently doubled the fines associated with passing stopped school buses and implemented widespread use of bus-mounted enforcement cameras in Tampa and Hillsborough County. These strict measures reflect the state’s clear priority to protect children and reduce preventable accidents related to school bus violations.

What Are Florida’s Laws on Stopping for School Buses?

Florida Statute §316.172 clearly states that all drivers must stop when approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. This rule applies regardless of the direction you are traveling unless the roadway has a physical divider or a median at least five feet wide.

Specifically, on undivided roadways, including two lane and multilane streets without barriers, all traffic in both directions must stop completely. Vehicles must remain stopped until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off its red flashing lights. This strict regulation ensures children can safely cross the street.

There is a single, limited exception to this requirement. If you are traveling in the opposite direction of the school bus on a divided highway, separated by a raised concrete barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, stopping is not legally required. However, even in this scenario, drivers must slow down and proceed cautiously, being prepared for unexpected pedestrian movements.

In practical terms, most Tampa roads, especially neighborhood streets and smaller thoroughfares, do not have sufficient dividers or medians, meaning drivers typically must stop. Because confusion often arises about this law, it’s safest to always stop if there is any uncertainty. Florida’s priority is clear: protecting children around school buses is paramount, and when in doubt, drivers must stop.

Do I Always Have to Stop for a School Bus in Tampa, or Are There Exceptions?

In nearly every situation, Florida law requires drivers to stop when encountering a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. The only legal exception occurs when you are traveling on the opposite side of a highway separated by a raised barrier or a median at least five feet wide.

Most roads in Tampa and Hillsborough County, particularly residential streets and smaller thoroughfares, do not have physical dividers that meet this requirement. As a result, drivers on these undivided roads must stop in both directions whenever a bus is stopped with signals activated. This rule applies regardless of how many lanes the roadway has.

Even on divided highways where stopping might not be legally required, motorists should always slow down and remain cautious. Children can behave unpredictably and may cross the street unexpectedly. By taking these precautions, drivers protect themselves legally and help ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

What Are the Penalties for Passing a Stopped School Bus in Florida?

Passing a stopped school bus is considered a serious moving violation in Florida, carrying severe legal and financial consequences. The penalties for this offense are designed to strongly discourage drivers from putting children at risk. Specifically, if you are ticketed for passing a stopped school bus, you may face the following consequences:

1. Substantial Fines
   First offense typically involves a fine of around $265.Passing on the side where children board or exit increases the fine significantly, often up to approximately $465 for a first offense.
   
2. Points on Your Driver’s License
   Conviction adds four points to your driving record, remaining for three years.
   Accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential suspension of your license.
   
3. Mandatory Driver Improvement Course
   Florida law requires drivers convicted of school bus violations to complete an approved traffic safety course at their own expense.
   
4. Required Court Appearance
   If you pass a school bus on the side children enter or exit, Florida law mandates a court hearing; you cannot simply pay the fine without appearing or being represented.
   
5. Potential License Suspension for Repeat Violations
   A second offense within five years can result in a license suspension lasting from one to two years.
   
6. Increased Insurance Premiums
   Insurance companies view this violation as a major safety risk, often significantly raising your insurance rates or potentially terminating coverage.
   
7. Enhanced Penalties Under the Cameron Mayhew Act
   If your actions cause serious injury or death, you face even stricter penalties, including:
   
   • A $1,500 fine.
   • Six points on your license.
   • 120 hours of community service in a trauma center.
   • Mandatory driver improvement courses.
   • A one-year license suspension.
     

These penalties highlight the seriousness of illegally passing a school bus. Due to the severity of these consequences, it is essential to seek skilled legal representation to explore possible defenses and minimize penalties.

Do I Need to Appear in Court for a School Bus Ticket in Florida?

Whether you must appear in court for a school bus ticket depends on the specifics of your violation. For a standard first offense, if you passed the bus improperly but did not pass on the side where children board, you generally have the option to pay the ticket without attending court. However, paying the fine directly admits guilt and results in points on your license.

In cases involving more severe violations, such as passing a stopped bus on the side where children enter or exit, Florida law mandates a court appearance. These violations cannot be resolved by simply paying the ticket. Instead, you must attend a mandatory hearing or have an attorney appear on your behalf.

At Sulte Law Firm, our Tampa traffic ticket attorneys regularly represent clients in Hillsborough County traffic courts, frequently appearing on their behalf. This representation can save you from missing work or other responsibilities, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Ignoring a required court appearance can lead to additional penalties, including license suspension. If you’re uncertain whether your ticket requires a court appearance, contacting a qualified traffic attorney can clarify your obligations and help you avoid unnecessary consequences.

What If I Get a School Bus Camera Ticket in Tampa?

Recently, Tampa and Hillsborough County implemented school bus camera enforcement programs. These cameras automatically record vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses and issue citations to the vehicle’s registered owner. Many drivers receive these tickets unexpectedly in the mail, causing confusion and stress.

When you receive a camera ticket, you typically have 30 days to respond by paying a civil penalty of approximately $225 or contesting the violation. Initially, camera tickets do not add points to your license. However, if you fail to respond within the specified time, the violation escalates into a formal traffic citation, resulting in higher fines and license points.

These automated tickets have caused issues, such as citations mistakenly issued when drivers passed before the stop arm fully deployed or due to camera timing errors. Early in the rollout of this program, Hillsborough County even experienced difficulty handling appeals, leaving drivers uncertain about how to contest unjustified citations.

Received a School Bus Ticket? We Can Help.

Given these complexities, it’s crucial to seek legal advice before responding to a citation. At Sulte Law Firm, our attorneys have experience reviewing bus-camera footage and challenging improper tickets. We ensure your rights are fully protected and advocate strongly to contest citations issued in error.

If you’ve received a school bus camera ticket in Tampa, don’t face this alone. Contact the Sulte Law Firm today at (813) 223-4343 for a free consultation, and let our experienced Tampa traffic attorneys help you navigate your options.