Drivers in North Carolina should be aware of the potential for higher penalties whenever school buses or school zones are involved. The state wants to protect its youngest citizens, and this is an understandable priority. However, the exact traffic laws regarding school buses and school zones are not always clear – and this subject might be especially confusing in the context of speeding tickets in North Carolina.
The Potential Consequences of Speeding Near a School Bus
Speeding tickets can become much worse if a school bus is nearby at the time of your offense. On January 6, 2024, it was reported that a motorcyclist had been arrested for speeding past a school bus. Video footage of the incident showed the motorcyclist narrowly missing a child who was exiting the school bus and attempting to run across the road to their home. The school bus had its warning lights flashing, and a stop sign had been extended from the vehicle via a mechanical arm.
Police approached this situation seriously, charging the 18-year-old with a range of offenses. These included speeding and reckless driving. He also faced consequences for having no motorcycle license or registration. These offenses were so serious that a warrant was issued for his arrest – prompting the teen to turn himself in at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation states that if a school bus stops for passengers, drivers going in both directions must stop. If you pass a stopped school bus in North Carolina, you face a class 1 misdemeanor. Add speeding to the equation, and you could easily face jail time.
Speeding in a School Zone in North Carolina
In many ways, you can think of school buses as “mobile school zones.” You might also face serious consequences for speeding in an actual school zone in North Carolina. The penalty for speeding in a school zone is a $250 fine, and you may also have three points added to your license. In some cases, this can cause you to lose your driver’s license.
It is worth noting that these penalties are equivalent to speeding 25 mph over the speed limit on a normal road section. Not only that, but prosecutors will give you little sympathy because of the stigma associated with putting children at risk. This highlights the need for effective legal representation. Furthermore, it is possible to face penalties for both speeding in a school zone and illegally passing a school bus with the same offense.
Find a Qualified Speeding Ticket Lawyer in North Carolina
If you have been searching for an experienced speeding ticket lawyer in North Carolina, look no further than Coastal South Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous residents fight their speeding tickets. With our assistance, you can strive for optimal results and mitigate some of the most serious consequences of speeding tickets involving school buses or school zones. Book your consultation today to learn more.