Mrstucco t1_jdi63n5 wrote on March 24, 2023 at 3:50 PM

IANAL, but I think the problem here is that it’s not just the stop sign that swings out.

The bus drivers activate yellow flashing lights as they approach a stop and red lights as they actually come to a stop.

I could see how the van might have obscured the stop sign, but the flashers over the windshield (and on the rear of the bus are visible from hundreds of yards away and should have given you ample warning to stop.

If you’re concerned about losing your license you might want to consult a lawyer (anyone who advertises that they handle DUIs will usually take traffic cases.)

I got a BS ticket years ago for 75 in a 40 mph work zone on the turnpike. It was the middle of the night, there was no work happening, half the signs said 55 mph and the other half said 40 mph and the trooper likely got a reading off the guy who blew past me and started fishtailing when he jammed on his brakes as he saw the cop. I was probably going 60-65.

That ticket (30+ over the limit) carried a two week suspension which I couldn’t afford. I paid a lawyer $500 and he pleaded it down to 50 in a 40 and failure to obey a traffic control device which was no points and like a $50 fine plus all of the bs court costs (judicial computerization fee, etc.)

If a two month suspension means you would lose your job, it’s probably worth the money. If you have a clean record a lawyer can probably negotiate something that would be easier on you and satisfy the state’s need to deter future violations.

MarmalAIDs OP t1_jdi7i5w wrote on March 24, 2023 at 3:59 PM

Youd be right if the bus HAD visible hazards on at hundreds of yards away, but the hazards werent on until somepoint between traveling closer to the van and as the ground flattened out. Between then and me passing the van and bus was roughly a block. The bus didnt have hazards for that time.

I like that the camera shows when the yellow lights are on, but im curious if this is the entire video too; if so, then the driver clearly only had hazards on for a couple feet from the stop. From my memory compared to this video, there wouldnt be much of a time difference, and they possibly passed a couple cars length of distance if somehow the lights turned on as soon as thr bus was out of view. I drive around buses plenty, they have their flashers on for a long distance before the stop.

Thank you for your thorough response!