-
What are Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems?
Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems are electronic hardware and software
configurations that systematically-detect vehicles, via recorded imaging, who illegally-meet or overtake
school buses with their red signal lights flashing and side stop signal arms activated.What is the goal of the School Bus Safety Program?
The goal of the School Bus Safety Program is to improve safety near stopped school buses, save
pedestrian lives, complement law enforcement, and promote overall school bus safety.How does Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement work?
Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems are electronic hardware and software
configurations that systematically-detect motor vehicles, via recorded imaging, that illegally-overtake
school buses with their red signal lights flashing and side stop signal arms activated. More specifically,
when the violation is detected, the system electronically records images of the motor vehicle, license
plate number, and license plate state-of-issuance, as well as the date, time, and place of the violation.
These violation records are then transmitted to an office system where registered owner information is
obtained. If the violation passes all necessary Quality Assurance and Quality Control checks and review
by the local Police Department, a Notice of Violation is produced and mailed to the registered owner by
either the School Entity or System Administrator on the School Entity’s behalf. The vehicle owner then
has the choice to pay the fine or contest the violation, in accordance with the written instructions on the
Notice of Violation. Each violation of the Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement
Systems carries a $300 civil penalty in accordance with 75 PA C.S. §3345.1.Are Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems reviewed and approved for
use?Yes. Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement Systems are required to be certified by
PennDOT prior to use, in accordance with 67 PA Code §171b Automated School Bus Side Stop Signal Arm
Enforcement Systems, Temporary Regulations.How often do motorists illegally pass stopped school buses in Pennsylvania?
This is a serious problem in our state. Every day, more than 21,000 school buses transport about 1.3 million students in Pennsylvania. Sadly, drivers illegally pass these buses more than twice per bus per day—putting children at risk thousands of times daily. In 2023 alone, a PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police report showed that more than 24,000 motorists statewide were cited for illegally passing a stopped school bus. There are signs of improvement. During PennDOT’s Operation Safe Stop—a one-day enforcement and education effort—school buses were illegally passed over 130 times in 2024, down from 177 in 2023. While still far too many, this drop suggests that enforcement and awareness efforts are starting to make a difference.
How does the school bus safety program work?
Through the school bus safety program, we have equipped every bus in our fleet with advanced safety technology, including AI-powered stop-arm cameras. These cameras detect when a vehicle breaks the law and illegally passes a stopped school bus.
By using automated enforcement, local law enforcement can monitor every school bus stop and hold drivers accountable for violating the law and putting students at risk.
Over time, the program helps change driver behavior, reduce illegal passings, and ensure children get to and from school safely every day.
- When a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus displaying its stop signal, the stop-arm camera captures footage of the violation.
- The footage is securely sent to law enforcement for their independent review to confirm if a violation occurred.
- If law enforcement confirms the violation, a Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered vehicle owner. Data shows that over 90% of first-time violators do not illegally pass a school bus again, making roads safer for students.
How does the program enhance student safety through community education and public awareness?
The school bus safety program combines education and enforcement to change motorist behavior and promote a culture of awareness and responsibility around school buses.
Before the start of the program, we are partnering with the [LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY] and BusPatrol to run an extensive public awareness campaign to inform motorists about this new enforcement initiative in [DISTRICT]. The public awareness campaign may include strategies such as a warning period, press coverage, and community outreach with the goal of education to change driver behavior before the bus safety program officially starts.
We are also dedicated to the continuous education of our community about school bus safety to ensure safer roads for everyone.
How much is the fine for illegally passing a school bus in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a first-time violation captured by a school bus camera is considered a civil offense and results in a $300 fine. Importantly, because it is a civil offense, no license points are added to the driver's record for a first offense.
When should I stop for a school bus in Pennsylvania?
Motorists must stop for a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop sign is deployed. Here are the key rules to follow:
- Stop at least 10 feet away from the bus.
- Stop behind, in front of, or at an intersection where the bus is stopped.
- Stop if traveling alongside or following a bus, and do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing and all children are safely off the road.
- If there's a physical barrier (like a grassy median, guide rails, or concrete barriers) separating traffic, vehicles in the opposite lane do not need to stop.
- Never proceed until all children have reached a place of safety.
For a visual guide on when to stop, check out the graphic and video below for more detailed instructions.
For more information, visit the PennDOT School Bus Safety page
How do I contest a violation issued through the School Bus Safety Program?
If you wish to contest a violation, you must request a hearing within 30 days of the notice date. Complete the form included with your notice and return it by mail or email both sides to pahearingevidence@buspatrol.com.
You can contest the violation if any of the following apply: you weren't driving the vehicle at the time, the vehicle was stolen before the violation, you weren't the owner at the time of the offense, the camera system wasn't properly tested or certified, or the system was not in compliance with the department’s regulations. Detailed instructions are on the back of the notice.
Other Frequently Asked Questions can be found HERE.
