Mayor Evans announces start of two-month warning period for Rochester’s new school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program to protect student safety

Rochester, New York – Rochester’s school zones are about to get a major safety upgrade. Mayor Malik D. Evans has officially announced the beginning of a two-month warning period for the city’s brand-new school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program, a move designed to curb one of the most dangerous driving violations — illegally passing stopped school buses.

Starting November 3, the City of Rochester, in partnership with BusPatrol America LLC and the Rochester City School District (RCSD), will roll out a network of more than 800 automated cameras on buses that transport students daily. These cameras are designed to capture footage of drivers who fail to stop when school buses extend their stop arms and activate their red flashing lights — an act that violates Sections 1174 and 1174-a of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

“Safety begins with all of us,” said Mayor Evans. “No trip, no errand, and no driver’s impatience are worth risking a child’s life. This program will help make sure our students get to and from school safely, and we’re asking every driver in Rochester to do their part.”

A Warning Period Before the Penalties Begin

During the initial phase, which lasts until January 3, 2026, drivers caught committing a violation will only receive a warning notice instead of a fine. This grace period, officials say, is intended to give motorists a chance to adjust their behavior and understand the seriousness of the issue before monetary penalties are enforced.

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Once full enforcement begins, the fines will escalate with each offense:

• $250 for a first violation
• $275 for a second violation
• $300 for a third or subsequent violation

The mayor emphasized that the ultimate goal isn’t revenue generation, but prevention and awareness. The program is designed to sustain itself financially through collected fines, covering all costs associated with camera installation, operation, and maintenance — at no expense to the City of Rochester or the school district.

A Step Toward Vision Zero

City officials say the initiative is more than a traffic enforcement tool — it’s part of Rochester’s broader Vision Zero strategy, a citywide commitment to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries while promoting safer, more inclusive streets.

“Improving the confidence and safety of all Rochesterians is the cornerstone of all our work on Council and the Vision Zero program,” said Rochester City Council President Miguel Melendez. “This program is a big step toward protecting our children and their futures.”

City Councilmember Mitch Gruber, who co-chairs the Vision Zero Initiative, echoed the sentiment. “We have to change the culture of driving in the city,” he said. “Safety can’t be an afterthought. Whether you’re walking, biking, or driving, every person deserves to get home alive. Until that’s true for everyone, our work isn’t done.”

A Personal Reminder of Why It Matters

For some, the dangers of reckless driving near school buses are painfully personal. Councilmember Bridget Monroe shared her own family’s experience — a harrowing reminder of why programs like this one are needed.

“My son was hit by a car getting off his school bus just a few years ago, by a hit and run driver going 40 to 45 mph on a 30 mph street,” Monroe said. “My son survived and underwent two surgeries, but many other pedestrians hit by cars do not survive. Adding cameras to school bus stop arms will make sure people obey the law and keep our school children safe. We all have a role in protecting our children and it starts with stopping when the bus does.”

Technology and Accountability

Each camera-equipped bus will record video evidence of vehicles that pass illegally. The footage will be reviewed locally before any citation is issued, ensuring due process and accuracy. According to BusPatrol America, similar programs across the state have seen dramatic results, with most first-time offenders changing their behavior permanently after receiving just one citation.

“We’re proud to partner with the City of Rochester to tackle reckless motorist behavior around school buses,” said Justin Meyers, President and Chief Innovation Officer at BusPatrol. “This partnership is a win-win for student safety and is proven to significantly reduce the rate of violations, with over 90% of first-time offenders changing their behavior. After getting a ticket, they don’t illegally pass a bus again.”

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In preparation for the program’s launch, over 100 signs are being installed throughout Rochester to inform drivers of the new enforcement measures. City officials hope the visibility of these warnings will encourage compliance before any fines are issued.

Building a Culture of Safety

The mayor and city leaders have stressed that the initiative represents a larger push to reshape driving culture within the city — a shift toward prioritizing caution, empathy, and shared responsibility on the road.

“We have to stop putting our children in jeopardy,” Evans said. “This is about more than compliance with the law. It’s about the safety of our children. Let’s work together to make Rochester a safe, equitable, and prosperous city where every student can travel back and forth to school without fear.”

The program’s launch follows similar efforts in neighboring communities within Monroe County, where automated stop-arm cameras have already reduced violations and improved driver awareness. With the combination of technology, community engagement, and education, Rochester hopes to achieve the same success — creating a safer environment for students across the city.

As the yellow buses roll through Rochester’s neighborhoods this fall, the message is clear: when the lights flash and the stop arm extends, drivers must stop — every time, without exception. The next few months will serve as a chance for motorists to adapt before enforcement begins in full, but officials say the hope is that everyone chooses safety now, not later.

In the words of Mayor Evans, “Safety begins with all of us.”