How Will A School Bus Violation in Georgia Impact My Driving Record and Insurance Rates?
Passing a school bus in Georgia that’s stopped or preparing to stop is not only illegal but also endangers the lives of children and teenagers who are boarding, or getting off the bus. Unfortunately, despite the potential consequences, some drivers still choose to ignore the school bus safety laws in Georgia
If you’re caught illegally passing a school bus in Georgia, you’ll receive a ticket or fine for violating the law. However, it’s not the violation itself that has the direct affect on your auto insurance rates. Instead, the number of points added to your driver’s license may cause your insurance company to increase your rates at renewal time.
Violating this law can result in severe penalties, including:
- Fines: Typically, the fine for the first offense can be up to $1,000.
- Points on Driver’s License: 6 points are added to the driver’s license for each violation.
- Possible Suspension: For drivers under 21, accumulating 4 or more points within 12 months results in a license suspension.
Car insurance companies have the right to consider the points on your record when determining your risk as a driver. So, it’s possible that your auto rates could increase due to a school bus moving violation, just like they would after a speeding ticket or any other major or minor moving violation.
Georgia Code on Passing a School Bus
O.C.G.A. § 40-6-163: This section stipulates that it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading students. Vehicles must stop when the bus has its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing.
How Much Will My Insurance Rates Increase?
A study analyzed rates from 13 large auto insurance companies. The study found that the average rate increase nationwide for drivers with a ticket for passing a school bus was 29%. Depending on the company, this increase could be as high as 51%. However, Nationwide has the cheapest average annual premium for those with a ticket, even though the average rate increase was 26%.
But beyond the financial consequences, it’s important to remember that passing a school bus in Georgia is a serious offense. This offense puts children’s lives at risk. State school bus laws exist to protect our children and teenagers. It’s the responsibility of all drivers to follow them. By slowing down and obeying the law, we can prevent accidents and injuries that could have lifelong consequences.
So, the next time you see a school bus on the road, remember to stop when it stops. Also, slow down when its lights are flashing, and always put the safety of our children first.
If you get a ticket for passing a school bus in Georgia, call Georgia traffic lawyers for a free ticket consultation. Call our office 24/7 at 404-315-9936.