Pass a stopped school bus? They've caught you on camera

Cameras that will automatically record any vehicle that illegally passes a stopped school bus, potentially capturing evidence to enforce traffic laws and hold offenders accountable, have been installed on nearly all Rockland County school buses in time for the 2024 school year.

County Executive Ed Day noted that the program "is not about enforcement; it’s about saving lives; And not just any lives … lives of children.”

During the 2023-2024 school year,  an estimated 17,000 citations were issued to drivers for passing a school bus in Rockland.  This followed the launch of the Rockland County School Bus Safety program that Day announced  in March 2023.

Drivers caught by cameras illegally passing activated stop-arms on school buses will be issued the following penalties by mail:

• 1st Violation $250
• 2nd Violation $275 (within 18-month period)
• 3rd Violation $300 (within 18-month period)

By law, drivers in both directions on two-lane and multilane roads must stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.

Citations received can be viewed or paid at AlertBus.com. Questions regarding the citations should be directed to BusPatrol at 1-877-504-7080.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.