With the 2024 School Year Back in Session, “Addy’s Law” Changes the Penalties for School Bus Violations in Georgia
For Additional Information Regarding O.C.G.A. 40-6-163, see Citations for Unlawfully Passing a School Bus on Georgia’s Roads
On April 27, 2024 Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 409 (HB409) into law. Effective July 1, 2024 HB409 amends Official Code of Georgia 40-6-163, Duty of Driver of Vehicle Meeting or Overtaking School Bus. The amendment to O.C.G.A. 40-6-163 changes this traffic violation from a misdemeanor criminal offense to a high and aggravated misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense. The $1,000 minimum fine also applies to convictions for school bus camera violations.
There are two types of violations of code section 40-6-163, criminal and civil violations. Criminal violations involve being stopped by a police officer and are six point driving offenses that will be reported on your driving history on top of the monetary fine. Civil violations occurring from mailed school bus camera violation notices are not criminal offenses and a first offense will not be reported. However, if you are found liable for a 2nd or further school bus camera violation, law enforcement agencies are required to report these further violations to your insurance carrier and it can impact your insurance rates.
You may have a defense to your citation in violation of 40-6-163 or your civil school bus camera violation. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with an experience Georgia school bus citation lawyer, call or text 678-753-6431 today.
