DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 Duval County Public Schools is rolling out new technology to crack down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses \u2014 and the fines start at $225.<\/p>\n
The district has partnered with BusPatrol America to launch the School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program, effective April 1. According to the district, the initiative equips more than 900 district school buses with stop-arm cameras designed to protect the more than 30,000 students who ride Duval County buses every day.<\/p>\n
The cameras will capture video and license plate information of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus while the stop-arm is extended and flashing red lights are activated. Drivers caught on camera will receive a Notice of Violation in the mail.<\/p>\n
Under Florida State Statute 316.172, drivers are required to stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and activates its flashing red lights. The district says not all drivers follow the law \u2014 and the consequences for students can be deadly. The State of Florida documented more than 8,000 school bus stop-arm violations in 2025, a figure that underscores why officials say the program is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeeping our students safe requires the entire community,\u201d the district said in its announcement.<\/p>\n
Camera Rollout and Enforcement<\/p>\n
The rollout happens in two phases. Camera installation began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of April. During that month, the cameras will be active, but violators will only receive a warning notice \u2014 including a link to view video footage of the violation.<\/p>\n
Beginning May 1, the enforcement phase kicks in. Official Notices of Violation will be issued, carrying a $225 fine per occurrence. All footage will be reviewed by law enforcement before a citation is issued.<\/p>\n
The $225 penalty fee is established by Florida State Statutes 316.173 and 318.18(5), along with SB 994, which also authorizes the use of stop-arm camera enforcement technology. Instructions for payment will be included in any Notice of Violation received. If the registered vehicle owner was not the driver at the time of a violation, they may need to provide proof or an affidavit confirming they were not behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
Cost of program <\/p>\n
The district says the program will not cost Duval County Public Schools anything. It operates through a revenue-sharing model funded by citation fees, as outlined in Florida statutes. BusPatrol America was approved to administer the program by the School Board, and the contract runs for three years.<\/p>\n
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