Rochester begins full enforcement of its school bus safety program to better protect children on city streets

Rochester, New York – Full enforcement of the City of Rochester’s School Bus Safety Program officially begins today, marking a significant shift from education to accountability as the city cracks down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

The program, which launched on Nov. 3, was designed to address a dangerous and persistent problem: motorists ignoring school bus stop arms while children are getting on or off buses. Using automated stop-arm cameras, the system captures high-definition video and still images of vehicles that pass buses when red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended.

Until now, the initiative operated under a warning period intended to educate drivers and measure the scope of the issue. That phase revealed troubling numbers. More than 14,000 potential violations were reviewed, and over 8,000 warning notices were mailed to vehicle owners across the city. Officials say those figures underscore how widespread the problem has been and why stronger enforcement is necessary.

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As of today, drivers caught violating the law will face financial penalties. A first offense will result in a $250 fine. A second violation increases the penalty to $275, while a third or subsequent offense will cost $300. Fines will be mailed directly to the registered owner of the vehicle identified by the camera system.

City leaders emphasize that the goal is not punishment for its own sake, but prevention. Passing a stopped school bus places children in immediate danger and is illegal under New York state law. Young students are often unpredictable near roadways, and a single moment of impatience behind the wheel can lead to irreversible consequences.

The School Bus Safety Program is also a key part of Rochester’s broader Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries citywide. By targeting one of the most high-risk traffic scenarios, officials believe the program can play a meaningful role in reducing preventable harm.

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The initiative operates as a self-sustaining partnership involving the City of Rochester, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, BusPatrol America LLC, and the Rochester City School District. Stop-arm cameras are currently installed on approximately 800 RCSD buses, creating a wide safety net across daily school routes.

Officials are again urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and remember their legal and moral responsibility when sharing the road with school buses. With full enforcement now underway, the message is clear: protecting children comes first, and dangerous driving behavior will no longer be met with warnings alone.