i recieved a traffic ticket in the mail for passing a stopped school bus that was loading/unloading?

Question

but the bus wasn't flashing it's lights and the driver gave me the signal to go ahead. there was no one around. how can i fight and win in court?

Answer 1

There had to be someone around to get your license plate number. Unless the bus driver is willing to go to court for you and repeat what you say happened , you are out of luck, sorry.

Answer 2

Passing a stopped school bus is a steep fine in New York, and probably where you are, along with points on your license.
What was the origin of the ticket? Was it from a police officer, a camera or something else?
Before just paying it, try to identify and locate the driver. If you can get the driver to support your claim, the court should dismiss the case.
Without a witness, you will have a difficult time, but it is not impossible. Ask for a bill of particulars, or the officer's statement or some equivalent document that provides details of what the officer saw (or information on the camera such as a copy of the picture and location of camera).
If you testify that the driver waved you by, the question becomes where was the officer who wrote the ticket (or the camera)? It is possible that the officer saw you pass the bus but was not able to see the actions of the driver and so can not dispute your assertion that the driver waved you by.
This is a criminal charge and the standard probably is "beyond a reasonable doubt."
If it is important enough to you, and you can afford it, hire an attorney that specializes in traffic matters. Check with your local bar association for referrals.
Depending on the type of court you are in, another potential advantage of hiring an attorney is the possibility of plea bargaining to a lesser violation. This will depend on your driving abstract, meaning you will get better treatment if you have a clean record and no respect if you have a lot of violations.
There are valid reasons for the severe penalties for passing a stopped school bus. There are numerous injuries and fatalities to children every year.
Good luck

Answer 3

Check to see what the law is..,it may be cheaper just to pay,and its your word against the officers.Try to fight it and consider the time that you have to take off work or what have you to appear in court.If its a small town..,never go around a school bus lights on or not.Some small towns have thier own laws.Good luck.

Answer 4

You can't.Pay the ticket and learn a lesson. People don't like their kids ran over when they are at the bus stop.

Answer 5

is it that much? if not then pay if it is,. go because unless the picture shows the lights on, then there is no one to say they were on

Answer 6

GET YOUR OWN FALSE WITNESSES!!!!!!!!!