Fail to Stop School Bus
Ontario Provincial Offences
Drivers in Ontario need to be aware of the serious consequences of failing to yield to a school bus. Failing to yield to a school bus can result in hefty fines and possible jail time. It’s essential for drivers in Ontario to understand their responsibility when it comes to school buses and how to properly yield to them.
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Failing to Stop for a School Bus in Ontario
School bus safety is an important issue in Ontario, and it's essential to remember that the rules of the road apply to everyone. Failing to yield to a school bus can have serious consequences, and it's important to understand the law and the impacts of not following it.
In Ontario, it is illegal for any driver to pass a school bus that has its red flashing lights on and its stop signal arm extended. This applies to both directions of traffic on any highway, road, or school property. Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points.
For the safety of children, it is also illegal to drive in the opposite direction of a school bus that is stopped and has its flashing lights on. This can be confusing if you are on a divided highway, but the law applies to both directions. Failing to yield to a school bus can put children in danger, so it's important to be aware of the law and follow it.
Drivers should also be aware that when a school bus is stopped and has its flashing lights on, they must stop at least 20 metres away from the bus. This is to ensure that the children can safely disembark the bus and cross the road without any danger.
It's essential to remember that failing to yield to a school bus can have serious consequences. Not only could you receive a large fine and demerit points, but you could also end up endangering the lives of children. By following the law and using caution when driving near a school bus, you can help to keep our roads safe for everyone.
Defending Your Ticket
Failing to stop for a school bus is a serious offence in Ontario, which can carry a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points. That’s why it’s important to understand the defences available to you if you are charged with this offence.
First and foremost, it is important to understand what the law requires of motorists in Ontario. According to the Highway Traffic Act, motorists must stop when approaching a school bus that is displaying its red flashing lights. This applies to both directions of traffic on all roads, regardless of the number of lanes or the speed limit.
When a motorist fails to stop for a school bus, there are a few defences available. The first defence is that the motorist did not see the bus. This defence can be difficult to prove, as the onus is on the motorist to prove that they did not see the bus.
The second defence available is that the motorist did not know that they were required to stop for the bus. This defence can be more difficult to prove than the first defence, as the motorist must show that they did not know they were required to stop for the bus.
The third defence available is that the motorist stopped as soon as they realized they were required to do so. This defence is much easier to prove, as it can be evidenced by the length of time the motorist stopped for the bus and by any eyewitness accounts of the incident.
Finally, the fourth defence available is that the motorist stopped for the bus, but was unable to do so safely. This defence can be difficult to prove, as the motorist must show that they were unable to safely stop for the bus, such as due to weather or traffic conditions.
These are the four defences available to motorists who are charged with failing to stop for a school bus in Ontario. It is important for motorists to understand these defences and to seek legal advice if they are charged with this offence.
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Failing to Stop for a School Bus
Some common information about failing to stop for a school bus.
Failing to Stop for a School Bus Basics
According to section 175(11) of the Highway Traffic Act, when approaching a school bus with flashing lights on, drivers or street cars should stop before reaching the bus and proceed only after the bus has moved or turned off its signal.
It states in Section 175(12) that drivers must stop at least 20 meters away from school buses and keep moving only when they begin to move or turn off their red lights. It is imperative to follow these laws at all times, regardless of the number of lanes or speed limits.
Failing to Stop for a School Bus
| Penalty Type | First-Time | Second (+) | Third (+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerit Points | 6 demerit points | 6 demerit points | 6 demerit points |
| Fine | $400 - $2,000 | $1,000 - $4,000 | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Term of Imprisonment | - | Up to 6 Months | Up to 6 Months |
| License Suspension | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days or Cancellation |
PLEASE NOTE:
- You will definitely see a significant increase in your insurance rates.
- If you pass a school bus with a stop sign out while driving, your driving record will remain on your record for three years.
Don't Challenge it Alone
Serious cases won't be dropped by prosecutors, so prepare a solid defence strategy and prove the signal wasn't activated or that the school bus was stopped incorrectly. Often, tickets for not stopping for school buses are disputed in court, so it is imperative to discuss each element of the charge with legal counsel. In every case, there are many specifics and every case is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions.