If you accidentally passed a stopped school bus in Texas, you’re looking at a misdemeanor ticket with a fine of at least $500 and up to $1,250 for a first offense, and the citation is difficult to erase because Texas law blocks the usual driving safety course dismissal for this violation.1Justia. Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 – Section: (c)
What the Ticket Will Cost You
A first conviction carries a fine ranging from $500 to $1,250. If you’ve been convicted of the same offense within the previous five years, the range jumps to between $1,000 and $2,000.1Justia. Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 – Section: (c)
Those are the statutory fine amounts only. Court costs and local fees are added on top at the courthouse.
When the Charge Becomes More Serious
The misdemeanor can escalate based on what happened. If passing the bus caused serious bodily injury to someone, the offense becomes a Class A misdemeanor. A second incident involving serious bodily injury can be charged as a state jail felony.1Justia. Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 – Section: (c)
Can You Lose Your License?
Not for a first offense. Texas repealed its driver points system in 2019, so this ticket doesn’t rack up points against your license.2Texas Department of Public Safety. Driver Responsibility Program Surcharge Repeal FAQs On a second or subsequent conviction, though, the court can suspend your driver’s license for up to six months.3Justia. Texas Transportation Code § 545.066 – Section: (d)
Why a Defensive Driving Course Won’t Dismiss This Ticket
For many minor traffic tickets, Texas drivers can take a driving safety course and have the charge dismissed. Passing a stopped school bus is specifically excluded from that option.4State of Texas. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 45A.353
That exclusion is the reason this ticket is harder than most to keep off your record. Deferred disposition may still be available in some courts, but eligibility depends on the specific court and your driving history, so it’s worth asking the court clerk or a traffic attorney what the local judge allows.
Pay or Fight?
When you deal with the court, paying the fine counts as pleading guilty and produces a conviction on your record. The alternative is to appear and contest the charge, or to request deferred disposition if the court offers it. Given that a conviction sticks and the fines are steep, many drivers at least appear before deciding how to plead.
What a Conviction Does to Your Insurance
Insurers typically treat passing a school bus as a high-risk violation. A conviction often raises your premium for several years, and that increase can end up costing more than the ticket itself.