USA Bus Lines

In Michigan, what is the penalty for running the lights on a school bus that isnt stopped yet and no sign out?

Was driving next to a bus in the left lane, and them in the right, they put their lights on and started to stop while i was already next to them and so i wasnt able to safely stop. There was no sign, i wasnt speeding, & i didnt switch lanes to go around it. Next thing I know I have a ticket and have to talk to the magistrate about it.

Public Comments

1. You will end up with a fine and an ewducation about stopping when the warning lights of a school bus come on. Just as a tip, you should not drive right next to a bus as you risk being in the driver's blind spots.
2. Once their lights start flashing (it doesn't matter if the sign is out yet or not) you must stop. When you see a bus, you should always make sure you have ample space and time to stop because you don't know when they will stop. I don't know about Michigan, but fines in my state are approximately $200 plus court costs and it's 3 points on your license.
3. If it doesn't say it on the ticket, you can call the court and find out. This seems to me like something you could talk yourself out of. Just be very polite to the judge, be very respectful and answer yes sir and no sir. They have huge egos and you must be very mindful of that. As long as you are willing to be humble and grovel you should be able to plead not guilty and explain why. Good luck.
4. I don't know. Go to court and tell the judge what happened. He will decide.
5. If they don't have their sign out, you don't have to stop. I think that most of the time that buses put out there signs it isn't needed. I think the only time the signs should be put out is if children are crossing the road. When the children aren't crossing what is the point in making cars stop.
6. I believe this could be 3 points on your drivers record which could greatly increase your insurance costs. I suggest getting legal advice ASAP. Remember, if there was a police car, your actions may have been recorded. http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_47093_25802-99083--,00.html http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(oniibl45m2pbm3rullqcuc55))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-257-1855
7. I completely agree with Gary. You need to get an attorney, because you WILL be found guilty. You aren't going to be able to "talk yourself out of this" as one poster suggests. Your insurance will skyrocket and stay sky high for three years. Get an attorney. I didn't once, and it cost me $100/month in INCREASED insurance payments for 36 months! That little ordeal ended up costing me $3,600 over those three years.