How many points do you get a ticket for not stopping for a school bus, and what should I do?
Failed to Stop for a School Bus in New York (VTL § 1174-a)
New York takes school bus safety extremely seriously, and violations under Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1174-a commonly known as “failing to stop for a school bus”, carry some of the toughest penalties among traffic offenses. It is important to plead “Not Guilty” to these tickets and try to get them reduced.
What the Law Requires
Under VTL § 1174-a, drivers must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended and lights activated. This rule applies to:
Vehicles traveling in the same direction, and
Vehicles approaching from the opposite direction
In other words, traffic on both sides of the road must stop and remain stopped until the bus retracts its stop sign and begins moving again. This is true EVEN ON FOUR LANE ROADS, believe it or not, all 4 lanes, both directions, need to stop.
The only exception is when a police officer directs traffic to proceed. Without that instruction, passing a stopped school bus will almost always result in a ticket.
Why This Violation Is Taken So Seriously
Because these cases involve the safety of children, courts and prosecutors tend to treat them with little to no leniency. Unlike some other traffic violations, this is not one that is easily overlooked or reduced without consequence.
Penalties for a First Offense
A first-time conviction for passing a stopped school bus can result in:
Fine: $250–$400
Mandatory surcharge: $88 or $93
License points: 8 points (for violations on or after February 16, 2026)
Possible jail time: Up to 30 days
The exact penalty is determined by the judge, who may impose a fine, jail time, or both.
Notably, 8 points is a significant hit. Higher than many speeding violations and most other moving offenses.
Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenses
Penalties escalate quickly for repeat violations within a three-year period:
Second offense:
Fine: $600–$750
Possible jail time: Up to 180 days
Third offense:
Fine: $750–$1,000
Possible jail time: Up to 180 days
Each additional offense compounds the consequences, making repeat violations especially costly.
Final Thoughts
George Selby, Esq. has over a decade of experience and is one of the top-rated traffic attorneys in Ulster County and NY. Failing to stop for a school bus is one of the most serious traffic violations in New York and we have helped hundreds of tickets like this get reduced significantly, or sometimes, entirely dismissed. Between steep fines, significant license points, and the possibility of jail time, the stakes are high.
If you receive this type of ticket, you may upload it for our review and advice, it’s important to take it seriously and understand your options. Protecting your driving record, and avoiding long-term consequences often starts with getting the right information and guidance.