DRIVERS have been warned about breaking a new “passing” law that could result in a hefty fine.
The law will go into effect in just a few weeks to deter drivers from bad behavior.
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Drivers in Fairfax County, Virginia should look out for big yellow school buses on the road or get slammed with a $250 ticket, as reported by Fox’s Washington DC affiliate, WTTG.
This new “passing” law targets drivers who illegally pass school buses, endangering the safety of school children entering and exiting the vehicle.
To prevent this, cameras are being installed on 50 Fairfax County public school buses to catch drivers who bypass the buses illegally, according to WTTG.
The cameras will identify vehicles that drive by even when the stop sign is out.
Officials will receive a picture of their license plate and move to issue the driver a fine.
Many Virginia lawmakers said this initiative was a long time coming.
“This is an effort that I had almost 10 years ago and it was after seeing some data and hearing from some of our school bus drivers they were telling me back in 2017 that it’s not uncommon for them to clock you know 1400 in one day that they recorded people passing school buses that’s in one day and so we’ve been at this for the better part of 10 years,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said.
The project is currently in its initial stages, according to Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.
The program will go into effect on April 9, however, drivers will be given a transitionary period to adjust to the new law.
For the first 30 days, drivers who pass school buses will be given a warning.
After May 12, drivers who neglect the “passing” law will be subject to a $250 fine.
Depending on the successes and challenges, additional cameras will be installed along more bus routes.
“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,” Reid said.
Virginia residents have mixed feelings about the new law.
Laws on Passing a School Bus
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
Some are saying that while they understand the importance of the program, there are drivers who 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 incentivize people to slow down and be more careful.”
Other states are implementing similar fees for drivers who neglect to stop for a school bus.
With these new laws, officials hope that children will be safer on the streets getting to and from school.
