DRIVERS have been warned to think twice before passing school buses, as they could face an instant $250 fine.
Starting on April 9, a new enforcement program in Virginia will bring steep fees to reckless rule breakers.
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Fairfax County Public Schools, which is just outside Washington DC, is installing cameras on 50 school buses to catch drivers who pass buses while kids are getting on and off.
From April 9, those caught on camera will receive a warning, reported ABC News local affiliate WJLA.
The county will introduce a 30-day warning phase, giving drivers time to adapt to the new regulations.
But from May 12, that warning turns into a hefty $250 fine.
Superintendent Michelle Reid has issued a warning to drivers to heed the law and said that safety is their number one priority
“I hope we don’t have to collect a cent,” she said.
Money from new 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.
Falls Church City Public Schools has been running a similar program for 10 years, and it’s working.
Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan said violations have decreased despite increased traffic in the area.
Falls Church saw net revenue from tickets drop from $150,000 ten years ago to $125,000 last year.
“We want to see that number go down,” Dr. Noonan said, emphasizing that fewer fines mean safer roads.
The worst spots for violations in Falls Church is Broad Street and Route 7.
“These buses transport kids as young as three years old,” Dr Noonan urged drivers to be extra cautious.
Rollout Period Overview
To improve student safety, Fairfax County is launching a new enforcement initiative targeting drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The program begins with a warning phase before full enforcement kicks in.
April 9, 2025 – Warning period begins; drivers will receive citations without fines.
May 12, 2025 – Enforcement begins; violators will receive $250 fines.
Ongoing – Evaluation for potential expansion based on effectiveness.
Fairfax County bus drivers report daily close calls, making this crackdown a crucial safety step.
Passing a stopped school bus isn’t just dangerous, it’s now a guaranteed hit to the wallet.
“Our bus drivers take the safety of our children very seriously,” said Dr. Reid.
With over 45,000 bus stops in Fairfax County, the risk is significant.
“This is really designed to emphasize how critically important it is [for] all of us to slow down and be just a little more thoughtful as we’re driving because the lives of our children are at stake.”
For those who think they won’t get caught, the cameras say otherwise.
Fairfax County is making it clear, ignore school bus laws, and you’ll pay the price.
