The New York State Senate recently passed three school bus bills to advance child safety while making school bus signs more economical.

Senate Bill S.2371

New York law currently permits school districts to put their phone numbers on the back of school buses.  With the internet age, many school districts have created websites to advance communication.  Senate Bill S.2371 would give school districts the option to put their website address on their school buses.

Senate Bill S.4488

In an attempt to encourage cost-savings for school districts, the senate passed a bill to allow school bus signs to be constructed with reflectorized material.  At present, New York law requires such signs to be illuminated.

Senate Bill 3099A

The third bill passed by the senate increases the penalties for passing a stopped school bus.  The new law would mandate a 60-day suspension of a driver’s license if convicted of passing a stopped school bus two or more times.  If your are facing a suspension of your driving privileges for any reason, call Adam H. Rosenblum, your New York traffic attorney.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1174 (VTL 1174) requires a driver approaching a stopped school bus that is receiving or discharging passengers to stop his vehicle before reaching the school bus.

A first conviction for violating New York VTL 1174 carries a fine up to $400 and up to 30 days in jail.  For a second conviction, the fine may be a maximum $750 with the possibility of up to 180 days in jail.  If convicted a third time, the penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 and a possible jail term of up to 180 days.

In addition, if convicted of violating New York law prohibiting passing a stopped school bus, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will add 5 points to your driving record.  Another conviction of violating a New York traffic law within 18 months, a driver will likely have to pay the Diver Assessment Fee that is imposed on drivers who get 6 or more points on their driving record.  The fee is $300 for 6 points and $75 for every point above 6.

If you have been issued a New York traffic ticket for violating a New York VTL 1174 or any other traffic law, contact the aggressive NY traffic lawyers of Rosenblum Law.  Call 888-883-5529 today.