Fairfax County Public Schools has a fleet of over 1,600 buses. Children are at greatest risk for a school bus-related injury when they are boarding or leaving the bus, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Proven to change driver behavior, school bus stop-arm safety cameras capture drivers who don’t respect the buses' “stop arm” signals. The School Bus Safety Program will fine drivers who pass school buses that are loading and unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail after a 30-day warning period.
It’s illegal and incredibly dangerous for a vehicle to pass a stopped school bus. When drivers ignore the law and pass a school bus, they risk the safety and lives of our children. The program aims to improve the safety and transportation of students as we are committed to reducing violations, collisions and injuries to keep our community safe.
How It Works
When a bus comes to a complete stop and the stop arm is out, the camera automatically detects vehicles that pass within the enforcement zone. When an event occurs, the cameras record video of the vehicle and capture images including the vehicle, its license plate and the extended stop arm.
Violation videos and license plate images are reviewed by the Fairfax County Police Department for approval before a warning or Notice of Infraction is issued.
Warnings will be issued during the first 30 days. Following the warning period, a $250 fine will be issued to drivers caught by the bus camera system.