What is the name of your state? Minnesota

Hi,

Today I made a blunder mistake because of my unawarness. I am new to this country and driving. today morning a school bus flashing red light stopped on the opposite lane. but i haven't stopped for that school bus. Immediately a police men has given a ticket and asked me come to court on a given date.

Reason why i am not stopped for that school bus, I thought the road as separated lane, so on the drivers manual they mentioned as if the road has separated lane then the opposite side lane drivers are don't want to stop for the school bus. But after getting my ticket only i came to know that we can't pass over the school bus even though its separated lane. Roadway should have a median to pass a school bus.

Please anyone can tell me what i have to do. to ask excuse or to avoid my driver license suspension.

Please respond.

Thanks,
gkn
http://images.freeadvice.com/images_forum_v11_04/misc/progress.gif

It seems you may be confused about the term "divided highway".

I think that the road where you received your ticket looks like the one in the picture that can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Double-yellow_line.svg

Also known as a "double yellow" which does not allow passing.

Compare this to the image you can find here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_carriageway also known as a "divided highway".

I am thinking that the law in Minnesota will allow you to pass a stopped schoolbus on a divided highway, but NOT on a double yellow.


When you go to court, I would take the position that this subtle difference was not explained to you prior to the ticket, but that you have studied and asked questions so now understand the difference. You said you were new to the country, so if your native language is not English you may be able to use that.

Just be honest with the judge, explain that you now understand the difference, and he may let you go, or may not depending on other circumstances.

Good luck in court, let us know how it comes out.

Here are the school bus stop laws for the 50 states.

http://www.geocities.com/jusjih/schoolbusstop.html

minn. or not i thought that you can NOT pass any school bus while stopped &
the yellow arm extended. did the bus have such an arm extended? was the stop sign extended on the drivers side of bus??if not you may use this in your defense
good luck

First off I would go with Fred's advice in court. That may be your best bet. I wish the laws were more consistent and instead of having each state come up with their own versions, have one standard Federal law that covers all 50 states. I myself have had issues in the past with which the ways the laws are written AND interpreted. I live across from a food distribution warehouse for a grocery chain. I also have a disabled son who goes to school. many times while my son has gotten on the bus or exited, a vehicle either going in or out of the facility has proceeded while the bus' flashing red lights were on. I have had the police over to my house on numerous occasions and they tell m there os nothing they can do unless they witness it themselves. Even the bus driver witnessing it and filing a report only warrants a "warning " from the police.The last time it happened I attempted to follow the vehicle into the facility only to be stopped by the guards. They told me that according to the state police it is allowable for them to continue on making a right turn into the place or making a right turn exiting the premises because both of those ways does not go in font of the bus.:screwy:I am at my wit's end trying to get answers from different people who are supposed to be an authority in matters like this. Each time I get a response, it is different than the last one I got and usually contradicts the previous answers I have received. That is why I think there should be a uniform Federal law that supersedes states' laws on this matter to clear up the confusion of trying to interpret the meanings of the laws.

So, what happened with this ticket?

Hi,

Yesterday I was going at 5-10 mph when there is a school bus stopped at the opposite direction with flashing red lights and extended arm.Thinking that it is in the opposite direction I passed with slow speed.Later I came to know that a mistake was done.No one are around and no one caught me.But I dont know whether they will send me a ticket through mail.Will they find it by any other means and will they send a ticket for me?If so please let me know what to be done.

Please respond.

Hi,

Yesterday I was going at 5-10 mph when there is a school bus stopped at the opposite direction with flashing red lights and extended arm.Thinking that it is in the opposite direction I passed with slow speed.Later I came to know that a mistake was done.No one are around and no one caught me.But I dont know whether they will send me a ticket through mail.Will they find it by any other means and will they send a ticket for me?If so please let me know what to be done.

Please respond.
Well, I would consider your self lucky. Maybe nobody saw you or were around, but if the bus driver or someone else got your license plate you still might be in trouble. I'd wait a couple of weeks to see if any action takes place concerning this, if not use this as a learning experience to remember to stop when you see the flashing red lights on the bus. You might not be as lucky if there is a next time.