Ignoring Atlanta School Bus Camera Tickets: What's The Worst That Could Happen?

If you ignore an Atlanta school bus camera ticket, there may be consequences such as fines, collection agency involvement, or legal repercussions. The violation carries a civil monetary penalty, and while it will not be added to your driving record or result in points on your license, failure to pay or contest the ticket in a timely manner can result in additional fees or legal action. Some sources suggest ignoring the ticket altogether, while others recommend consulting an attorney to explore options for disputing the citation. It is important to understand the potential risks and consequences before deciding how to respond to the ticket.

The ticket is a civil penalty, not a criminal charge

If you've received an Atlanta school bus camera ticket, it's important to understand that this is a civil penalty, not a criminal charge. This means that while you may be required to pay a fine, it will not go on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. The violation is also not considered a moving traffic violation, and no points will be assessed on your license.

The fine for this type of violation is typically around $250 to $300, and it is issued by a private company, not the police. While you may be tempted to ignore the ticket, it's important to note that failure to pay the fine or contest the liability in a timely manner may result in a waiver of your rights to contest the liability later on. Additionally, the fine amount may increase if you do not pay on time.

If you choose to contest the ticket, you can submit a notarized statement that you were not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the violation, providing the name and address of the driver. Alternatively, you can appear in court to dispute the fine. However, keep in mind that since this is a civil matter, the burden of proof to convict you is lower than in a criminal case.

In some cases, the prosecutor may offer a reduction in the fine if you appear in court, especially if you do not have a lawyer. However, it is always recommended to consult with an attorney before making any decisions or taking any actions regarding the ticket. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you understand your rights and options.

The ticket will not be made part of your driving record

If you receive a ticket for failing to stop before reaching or overtaking a school bus in Atlanta, you may be concerned about the impact on your driving record. However, you can rest assured that this type of violation will not be made a part of your driving history.

Under Georgia Code 40-6-163, the registered owner of the vehicle is presumed to be the driver, but this presumption can be challenged. The violation carries a civil monetary penalty of $250, but it is not considered a moving traffic violation. This means that it will not appear on your driving record, and no points will be assessed. Additionally, it cannot be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage.

While the ticket will not affect your driving record, it is important to note that failing to pay the fine or contest the liability in a timely manner may result in additional consequences. If you choose to ignore the ticket, you may receive a second notice with a court date. It is important to take these tickets seriously, as they are issued to promote the safety of school children.

If you receive a ticket, you have several options for payment, including online, by phone, by mail, or in person. You can also choose to contest the ticket by submitting a notarized statement or completing a dispute form. It is recommended to seek legal advice before taking any action, as there may be specific procedures to follow.

No points will be put on your license

If you ignore an Atlanta school bus camera ticket, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand that this type of violation is considered a civil matter and carries a monetary penalty, but no points will be assessed on your license. This means that while you may face a fine, your driving record will not be affected, and your license will not be suspended or revoked.

In Georgia, failing to stop for a school bus with its visual signals activated is a serious offence, and the law treats it as such. The registered owner of the vehicle will receive a citation and be presumed to be the driver, but they can dispute this presumption. The citation includes information such as the place, date, and time of the alleged violation, as well as clear evidence in the form of photographs or video footage.

The fine for this violation is typically $300, which some may consider steep. It's important to note that ignoring the ticket will not make it go away. If you fail to pay the fine or contest the liability in a timely manner, you will be deemed liable and still responsible for the full amount.

While some people choose to ignore these tickets, it's essential to weigh the consequences. The violation will not impact your driving record or license, but it can result in additional fees and collection efforts. Seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney in your area is always recommended before making any decisions. They can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options.

You can ignore the ticket, but the fine may increase over time

It is also worth noting that, while these violations do not go on your driving record, House Bill 978 was passed in 2018. This bill allows the Georgia Department of Revenue to withhold the re-registration or title transfer of any Georgia automobile with an unpaid "violation" for passing a school bus.

You can contest the ticket, but you may need a lawyer

If you've received a ticket from an Atlanta school bus camera, you may be wondering what to do next. While you can choose to ignore the ticket, it's important to understand the potential consequences. In this case, ignoring the ticket may result in a civil monetary penalty and further legal action. A better approach is to explore your options for contesting the ticket, but it's essential to have a good understanding of the law and the process, which may require seeking legal advice.

The first step is to review the details of the citation. According to Georgia Code 40-6-163, the registered owner of the vehicle is presumed to be the driver, but this presumption can be challenged. The citation will include information such as the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, as well as the monetary penalty, which is typically $250 or $300. It's important to note that this type of violation is considered civil and will not result in points on your driving record or affect your insurance rates.

If you decide to contest the ticket, you have several options. One option is to submit a notarized statement indicating that you were not the driver at the time of the violation and providing the name and address of the actual driver. This can be done through a Dispute Form available on the website mentioned in the citation. Alternatively, if the vehicle was reported stolen or sold prior to the alleged violation, you can complete the Dispute Form to provide this information.

In some cases, you may need to appear in court to contest the ticket. This typically involves confirming your appearance by submitting the Dispute Form to the Municipal Court of Atlanta and then attending the court hearing. It's important to note that failing to confirm your appearance may result in your case not being heard in court.

While contesting the ticket is an option, it's important to consider the strength of your case. In some instances, seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney may be advisable. An attorney can review the specifics of your case, including any evidence such as photographs or videos, and provide guidance on the best course of action. They can also represent you in court and help navigate the legal process.

In conclusion, while you have the option to ignore an Atlanta school bus camera ticket, it's generally not advisable. Instead, you can explore avenues to contest the ticket, but it's important to be well-informed about the process and your legal rights, which may involve seeking legal counsel. Remember to act in a timely manner to preserve your rights and minimize potential penalties.

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