Drivers who are charged with drunk driving or traffic violations may understand the implications of certain penalties. Serving a jail sentence means time lost from your job and family and having to a pay a hefty fine can have a financial impact. But what about the penalty of a driver's license suspension?

Losing your driving privileges can affect you and your family in ways that you may not have considered. But how does one's license get suspended? Do certain traffic violations or charges automatically result in a license suspension in Pennsylvania?

Just this week, drivers are being reminded of the penalties that result from illegally passing a stopped school bus. In Pennsylvania, when a school bus is stopped with the stop sign arm out, drivers cannot go around the bus but must stop. Failing to do so can result in a traffic violation.

Local police departments have been specifically watching drivers around the communities. If a driver is spotted passing a stopped school bus, he or she can expect to be pulled over and ticketed for illegal passing. This recent campaign entitled "Operation Safe Stop" hopes to make drivers aware of the dangers and consequences of passing a stopped school bus.

If a driver is stopped for illegally passing, he or she will be penalized with:

  • A $250 dollar fine
  • Five points deducted from his or her license
  • A suspended license

The license suspension would result in a loss of driving privileges for 60 days. This means that the driver would have to rely on friends, family and public transportation to get around. It can make getting to school or work a challenge.

Even if this type of citation doesn't seem like a big deal, drivers should take steps to defend against it. Doing so can help protect a driver's rights.

Source: Centre Daily Times: "Police to raise awareness of school bus safety," Oct. 18, 2011