2 weeks Ago By Michael Golson
DRIVERS have just days before a new "passing" law comes into effect - which sees them risk a hefty fine. On April 9, it will be illegal to pass big yellow school buses on the road, with an initial warning period coming in before the risk of a $250 ticket. This new law is designed to specifically target drivers who illegally pass school buses, which endangers the safety of school children entering and exiting the vehicle.
To enforce the new ruling, cameras are being installed on 50 public school buses in a major county to catch drivers who bypass buses illegally. This tech will be able to identify vehicles that drive by, even when the stop sign is out. Officials will then be able to receive a picture of their license plate - before moving to issue a fine.
Read more Motors News For now, though, drivers will be given a transitional period to adjust, meaning from April 9, for the first 30 days, drivers who pass school buses will be given a warning. Then, after May 12, those who neglect the "passing" law will be subject to a $250 fine. The law, which is coming to Fairfax County, Virginia , has been welcomed by lawmakers.
From the initial 50 buses in the area, it could end up seeing more cameras installed to more buses, depending on the scheme’s successes and challenges. Most read in Motors Reid added: "We’re starting with 50 buses and we run over 1,600 every day, so one of our challenges is going to be bringing this to scale so we want to work out any other bugs with the buses but I know our county partners, our drivers and our families are really committed to this.” Other states have implemented similar laws for drivers - with officials ultimately hoping the new laws will keep children safer on the streets getting to and from school.
However, residents across Virginia have expressed mixed feelings around the new law, with some arguing drivers cannot afford to pay such a hefty fee. "I think it’s a tough call because I think that the safety of everyone is very important but same token. There are a lot of people who can barely survive," Alexandra Millar told WTTG.
"In my opinion . I’m 100% with whatever we can do to make sure that the kids are OK too don’t let the kids stay at the bus stop and stand outside," Michael Curry said. "I think it’s kind of a good thing.
The fines might be able to hide but it incentivizes people to slow down and be more careful." Reportedly, money from the fines will be reinvested into the program to equip more school buses with cameras. With 1,600 buses in the county, it will take time to get all of them fitted with enforcement cameras.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), it's illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus when it is stopped, the red strobe lights are flashing, and the stop sign is deployed. "All States require the traffic in both directions to stop on undivided highways when students are getting on or off a school bus," the agency's website reads. Florida launched a program in May 2024 that will cite drivers illegally passing stopped school buses with the help of AI-powered cameras to capture footage of violators, citing an important law.
In Florida, Chapter 316 Title 19 reads: Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle on or over the roads or highways of this state shall, upon approaching any school bus which displays a stop signal, bring such vehicle to a full stop while the bus is stopped, and the vehicle shall not pass the school bus until the signal has been withdrawn. A person who violates this section commits a moving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318. Any person using, operating, or driving a vehicle that passes a school bus on the side that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop signal commits a moving violation, punishable as provided in Chapter 318, and is subject to a mandatory hearing under the provisions of s.
318.19 Source: NHSTA , Florida Legislature.
