Traffic Violations Maryland School Bus Drivers Can Fight

Traffic violations are a concern for any driver, but for Maryland school bus drivers, they carry even higher stakes. With stringent regulations in place for the safety of students, a single violation can have serious consequences. Fortunately, many of these citations can be fought with the right knowledge and legal support, offering drivers a chance to clear their records.

With decades of experience representing CDL drivers across Maryland, The Law Office of Hillel Traub understands the unique challenges school bus drivers face when accused of traffic violations. Attorney Hillel Traub, a former lawyer for the MVA, uses his extensive knowledge of Maryland traffic laws to help clients navigate the complexities of these cases. Whether addressing speeding tickets, stop sign violations, or other charges, we work to protect your driving record and livelihood.

Common Traffic Violations School Bus Drivers Face

School bus drivers are vital to ensuring students’ safety, and they are held to rigorous traffic standards. For Maryland school bus drivers, even a minor citation can jeopardize their commercial driver’s license and, by extension, their livelihood.

Some common traffic violations include:

Improper Lane Usage

Navigating a large school bus on narrow or congested roads can be challenging, and drivers may sometimes be cited for improper lane usage. This could include failing to stay within lane markings or making wide turns.

To challenge this violation, drivers can provide evidence of extenuating circumstances, such as road construction or hazardous conditions, that necessitated their actions. Clear documentation and a strong defense may lead to reduced penalties or dismissal of the ticket.

Speeding Violations

Maintaining appropriate speeds is crucial for school bus drivers, but occasional speeding tickets can occur. In some cases, these tickets may be based on radar errors, misinterpreted speed limits, or faulty equipment.

Drivers can contest speeding violations by requesting calibration records for the radar equipment used or presenting evidence of incorrect signage. An attorney may also argue that the ticketing officer lacked a clear line of sight to accurately measure speed.

Failure to Yield

School bus drivers are required to adhere to strict rules about yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians, particularly at intersections or when merging onto highways. Misjudging the timing of a turn or merge can result in a citation for failure to yield.

To challenge this violation, drivers may present evidence that other vehicles were driving aggressively, failed to signal, or otherwise created unsafe conditions that influenced their actions. Testimonies from witnesses or dashcam footage can also support a defense.

Running Stop Signs or Red Lights

School bus drivers are expected to comply with all traffic signals, but miscommunication or mechanical issues can cause citations for running stop signs or red lights. Poor visibility in adverse weather conditions or malfunctioning traffic lights could also contribute to the incident.

Drivers can defend themselves by presenting evidence of poor visibility, malfunctioning signals, or other mitigating factors that made compliance difficult or unsafe.

Failure to Activate Warning Signals

School buses are equipped with flashing lights and stoparms to alert other drivers when students are boarding or exiting. Failure to activate these signals properly can lead to serious violations. However, this issue can sometimes stem from equipment failure rather than driver negligence.

If cited for this violation, drivers can demonstrate that the bus’s warning systems were defective or not functioning correctly. Maintenance records and mechanic reports can support this defense.

Overloading the Bus

School bus drivers must adhere to strict passenger limits to ensure safety. Violations can occur when the number of passengers exceeds the bus’s capacity, even if the driver is not at fault for the overloading.

Drivers can contest this citation by presenting evidence that school administrators or supervisors directed the overloading or that the count was misreported. Proper documentation can clarify the situation and help reduce penalties.

Why Contesting a Traffic Violation Matters for School Bus Drivers

Traffic violations are more than just an inconvenience for school bus drivers—they can lead to CDL suspension or disqualification. Without a valid CDL, drivers cannot legally operate school buses, putting their jobs at risk. Additionally, a tarnished driving record can impact future employment opportunities.

By fighting unjust citations, drivers can avoid these consequences, protect their licenses, and maintain their livelihood. Contesting a ticket also reinforces the importance of fair treatment and due process, ensuring drivers are not penalized for issues beyond their control.

An experienced attorney can analyze the circumstances surrounding the violation and build a defense tailored to the driver’s situation. This might involve reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, or challenging the evidence presented by law enforcement.

An attorney may negotiate reduced penalties even if a violation cannot be entirely dismissed. This could include lower fines, fewer points on the driver’s record, or ammending the charge to something that doesn’t threaten your CDL. These outcomes can significantly minimize the impact on a driver’s CDL and career.

Protect Your CDL with The Law Office of Hillel Traub

For Maryland school bus drivers, traffic violations can jeopardize your CDL and livelihood, making a strong defense essential. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we have decades of experience defending CDL drivers against improper lane usage, speeding violations, failure to yield, and other traffic citations. As a former lawyer for the MVA, Attorney Hillel Traub brings unique insight into Maryland’s traffic laws to advocate for your rights and help preserve your driving record.

Whether you’re facing charges stemming from equipment failure, hazardous road conditions, or other factors, we work diligently to minimize penalties and protect your career. Call us today at (410) 580-1100 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.