Q: Passing a school bus with flashing stop sign
Today morning at 7:30, I slowly passed a school bus from the opposite direction in an undivided street while it's stop sign was flashing. It's been my first encounter with the school bus, I was totally confused. I first came to a complete stop, and then decided to pass very slowly. The driver honked at me and I'm sure that he had enough time to note down my license plate. As I was confused and it wasn't intentional, is there any way to get away without the fine if I admit my guilt? If not, is there any other alternative? I'm an international student and a 500$ ticket would be very costly for me given that I don't even get that much money per month.
A: You most definitely did it intentionally as you clearly state "...then decided to pass very slowly", Because you were also confused does not mean you did not do it intentionally besides intent is irrelevant in most traffic crimes - all that really matters is whether you did it - and by your own admission you definitely did it. Passing a stopped school bus is a misdemeanor and not something you can just pay off and being fined is likely the least you should be concerned about. It is a very serious offense and you need to hire a traffic attorney if you eventually end up getting a ticket.
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