School starts this week: Drivers please be school bus safe

Always STOP for the bus or face major fines and points

Allegany County Sheriff’s Deputies will be conducting targeted enforcement and coordinating with schools

By Andrew Harris,

Earlier this summer a local school bus driver contacted me very concerned about the disrespect show to the school bus stop laws and was worried an accident was bound to happen.

The driver asked us to put out a reminder and request for drivers to respect the precious cargo being transported by school buses.

“All school buses in NYS are equipped with cameras that capture all those who don’t comply with bus stop signs. While they might not get pulled over at the time of the reckless driving, police will use the video and track down the driver. Many tickets were issued during last school year and the fines are stiff,“ explained the driver who asked to remain anonymous.

NYS DMV explains the consequences for passing a school bus, from DMV.NY.GOV:

Vehicle Operators – There are legal and financial consequences for vehicle operators who pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing.

First conviction – fine of $250-$400 and/or up to 30 days in jail
Second conviction within 3 years – fine of $600-$750 and/or up to 180 days in jail
Third conviction (or more) within 3 years – fine of $750-$1,500 and/or up to 180 days in jail

Five points will be added to the operator’s driving record for each conviction.

Vehicle Owners – A law was passed in 2019 (VTL 1174-A) that authorizes school districts and municipalities to use stop-arm cameras on school buses to impose penalties on the owners of vehicles which pass a school bus while the school bus is stopped for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers and red lights on the school bus are flashing.