What Are Your Options After Receiving a School Bus Camera Ticket?
Aug. 27, 2025
School bus camera tickets are becoming increasingly common in New York. As more districts use automated systems to enforce school bus laws, drivers may find themselves receiving a ticket in the mail, even if they didn’t realize they committed a violation. These tickets can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you're unfamiliar with how they're issued.
If you’ve received a school bus camera ticket, it’s important to know what the ticket means, what steps you can take, and how it may affect you. At Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law in Buffalo, New York, I have the experience and dedication to work with my clients to solve their traffic law cases.
How School Bus Camera Tickets Work in New York
In New York, school bus camera systems are used to detect and record vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. When a school bus stops and its red lights are flashing with the stop arm extended, drivers are required by law to stop. Failing to do so can trigger a camera-based violation.
Unlike traditional traffic stops, these tickets are issued based on video evidence and mailed to the vehicle owner. The cameras record footage, and if the vehicle appears to violate the law, the registered owner receives a notice.
These tickets are considered civil violations, not criminal charges, which means:
No points are assessed on your driving record.
The violation doesn’t go on your driving abstract.
The penalty is usually a fine and possibly administrative fees.
Still, they carry financial consequences and can create further problems if ignored.
What the Ticket Typically Includes
When you receive a school bus camera ticket in New York, it’ll likely include:
The date and time of the alleged violation.
A photo or video still of your vehicle during the incident.
Instructions for how to pay the fine or contest the ticket.
A deadline for your response.
You’ll also be provided with a website to view the video footage of the alleged offense. Reviewing this footage is an important step in deciding how to respond.
Paying the Fine Without Contesting
Many drivers choose to pay the fine without contesting the ticket. If you accept the violation, you can usually pay online, by mail, or over the phone.
The benefits of paying include:
Quick resolution without needing to appear in person
Avoiding potential late fees or collection actions
Moving past the incident without further involvement
However, payment is treated as an admission of liability. You waive your right to dispute the charge, and you can’t later challenge the ticket once it's paid.
If you're not sure whether the ticket is valid or you believe an error was made, it may be worth contesting before making any payment.
Disputing a School Bus Camera Ticket
You have the right to challenge a school bus camera ticket if you believe it was issued in error. In New York, you can request a hearing to present your case. The procedure varies slightly by jurisdiction, but typically includes the following steps:
Submit a request for a hearing by the deadline stated on the notice.
Choose an in-person or mail-in hearing if available.
Provide any documentation, statements, or evidence supporting your position.
Common grounds for disputing the ticket include:
The vehicle wasn’t in use by you at the time (e.g., stolen or loaned)
The camera malfunctioned or recorded inaccurate footage
You stopped legally, but the system failed to detect it
If the ticket was issued to the wrong vehicle or the footage is unclear, a lawyer experienced in traffic law can raise these points may help your case.
Reviewing the Video Evidence
Before deciding how to proceed, review the video or images associated with the violation. The footage can help determine whether the stop arm was extended, the red lights were flashing, and your vehicle truly passed the bus without stopping.
Take note of:
The position of your car in relation to the bus
Traffic signs or markings that may affect the situation
Whether you had a legal reason not to stop (such as being on the opposite side of a divided highway)
This information will guide your decision and may strengthen your argument if you plan to contest the ticket.
How These Tickets Relate to Traffic Law
School bus camera tickets are governed by both local ordinances and state traffic law. In New York, Section 1174 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law requires all drivers to stop for a school bus when it displays flashing red lights.
Violating this law through a police stop carries heavier consequences, including:
Points on your license
Higher fines
Possible license suspension after repeated offenses
However, automated camera violations are treated differently. These civil violations don’t impact your driving privileges, but they still fall under traffic law enforcement. Repeated offenses may lead to higher fines or additional monitoring, even though they don’t carry points.
Potential Long-Term Effects
While a school bus camera ticket doesn’t result in points or a conviction under New York traffic law, it can still have consequences if ignored or unpaid.
Possible outcomes include:
Late fees or civil penalties.
Referral to a collections agency.
Vehicle registration holds or suspensions.
Although these tickets aren’t reported to insurance companies in most cases, repeated unpaid tickets may raise red flags and could potentially affect future vehicle-related matters. Responding promptly and appropriately helps avoid escalation.
Transferring Liability to Another Driver
If you weren’t driving at the time of the alleged violation, you may be able to transfer liability. Since these tickets are mailed to the registered owner, they don’t account for who was driving.
To transfer liability, you may need to:
Submit an affidavit identifying the actual driver.
Provide documentation, such as a rental agreement or loan statement.
However, not all jurisdictions allow this option. Some treat the ticket similarly to a parking ticket, holding the owner responsible regardless of who was behind the wheel. Check the fine print on your notice or consult with someone who understands local traffic law procedures to explore this option.
When to Consider Legal Representation
Although school bus camera tickets are civil matters, some situations may call for legal representation. If you're dealing with multiple violations, disputing unclear video footage, or facing additional legal consequences, it may help to consult someone familiar with New York traffic law.
Legal representation may be particularly useful if:
The violation could impact your commercial driving record.
You're involved in a broader traffic law issue.
Your registration or license is at risk due to accumulated fines.
Seeking advice early in the process can help clarify your rights and available actions.
Avoiding Future Violations
To avoid school bus camera tickets going forward, it helps to understand the rules clearly. In New York, drivers must stop for a school bus when:
The bus has flashing red lights.
The stop arm is extended.
You're on the same side of the road, or on an undivided highway.
Drivers don’t have to stop if the road is divided by a physical barrier or median, and the bus is on the opposite side. Still, caution is key, especially near schools or during peak pickup and drop-off hours.
Being mindful of these rules not only helps avoid penalties but also protects student safety.
Contesting a Ticket vs. Paying the Fine
Deciding whether to contest the ticket or pay the fine depends on your specific circumstances. If the video clearly shows a violation and you were driving, it may make more sense to resolve it by paying. If the footage is unclear or there’s a valid reason you believe the ticket was issued in error, contesting may be worthwhile.
Here's a quick comparison to help weigh your options:
Paying the Fine:
Fast and convenient
No hearing required
Treated as an admission of liability
Disputing the Ticket:
May result in dismissal
Requires time and preparation
Must be submitted before the deadline
Make your decision early to avoid missing important deadlines or facing late fees.
Keeping Track of Payment Deadlines
Deadlines are critical when dealing with school bus camera tickets. Missing a due date can lead to added fines, collection activity, or registration holds. The notice you receive will include a clear deadline for payment or contesting the ticket.
To stay on track:
Mark your calendar as soon as you receive the notice.
Check the online portal for payment confirmation.
Keep copies of all correspondence, payments, and appeals.
Organizing your documents will help if you ever need to refer back to the incident later.
Dedicated Legal Support
If you’ve received a school bus camera ticket and want to understand your options under New York traffic law, I’m here to help. At Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law, I serve clients ticketed in New York State. Reach out today to learn more.