Duval County Public Schools is launching a safety initiative to curb illegal passing of stopped school buses.<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Duval County Public Schools is rolling out a new safety initiative aimed at protecting the more than 30,000 students who ride school buses each day.<\/p>\n
Beginning April 1, the district will implement a school bus stop-arm camera violation program across its fleet of more than 900 buses. The technology is designed to capture video and license plate information of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus while its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.<\/p>\n
Motorists who fail to stop will receive a notice of violation and face a $225 fine.<\/p>\n
Under Florida law, drivers must stop when a school bus deploys its stop arm and activates flashing red lights.\u00a0<\/p>\n
District officials say violations remain a serious concern, putting students at risk of injury or death.<\/p>\n
The program will roll out in phases. Camera installation began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of April.<\/p>\n
Throughout April, the district will conduct a public awareness campaign. During this period, cameras will be active, but violators will receive warning notices rather than fines. The notices will include a link to view video footage of the incident.<\/p>\n
Full enforcement begins May 1, when drivers who illegally pass a stopped bus will be issued citations carrying the $225 penalty. Officials say all recorded violations will be reviewed by law enforcement before a citation is issued.<\/p>\n