Passing a Stopped School Bus in Fort Myers: What’s the Worst That Can Happen?

Many motorists in Fort Myers overlook the importance of safe driving when operating near school buses. In particular, stopped school buses present the possibility of serious criminal charges if you’re not careful. Whether you’re facing charges after an incident involving a school bus or you’re trying to learn more about the exact traffic laws in this situation, a Fort Myers and Naples criminal defense attorney could help.

Basic Penalties for Passing a School Bus in Lee County 

The basic fine for passing a stopped school bus is $265 in Florida. However, this fine increases to $465 if you pass a stopped school bus on the side where children enter and exit. This makes passing a stopped school bus one of the most expensive traffic fines you can receive in Florida, and it may be worth challenging this ticket. You might also lose your license entirely if this offense puts one too many points on your driving record.

The Penalties Can Be Much Worse 

Although hundreds of dollars in fines is certainly serious, a traffic ticket pales in comparison to some of the worst penalties you can receive for passing a stopped school bus. Due to the 2017 Cameron Mayhew Act, anyone who causes a death or serious bodily injury while passing a stopped school bus can face 120 hours of community service, mandatory participation in a special victim’s panel, six driving record points, a minimum one-year license suspension, and a $1,500 fine.

Note that these penalties are added to any other criminal charges you might face as a result of your school bus incident. These might include DUI, manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, hit-and-run, and much more. With many of these charges combined, a school bus-related collision in Fort Myers can lead to many years in jail or prison.

New Cameras Make It Easier to Face Charges 

It is easier than ever to face charges for school-bus-related incidents in Fort Myers. This is because the School District of Lee County recently made the decision to install traffic cameras on the outside of all its school buses. With this new technology, those who break traffic laws near school buses face challenging evidence in the form of video footage.

With that said, it may still be possible to defend yourself effectively, even if you face mounting evidence from new school bus cameras. This is especially true if you work with experienced defense attorneys.

Should I Hire a Fort Myers Criminal Defense Lawyer? 

You might want to consider help from a Fort Myers and Naples criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing serious charges related to a school bus. While simply passing a stopped school bus may result in relatively minor fines, you may face much more serious charges for other offenses. For example, DUIs related to school bus accidents could be highly problematic. For further guidance on potential defense strategies, contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm at your earliest convenience.

Sources:

 flhsmv.gov/safety-center/child-safety/school-bus-safety/

wgcu.org/top-story/2025-07-31/think-twice-before-zipping-past-a-stopped-school-bus-picking-up-or-dropping-off-children-in-lee-county