Broome County School Bus Stop Arm Cameras Return

As parents prepare to send their children back to school, Broome County officials say the stop arm cameras on school buses will be rolling for a second year.

Last year, 3,030 violations were recorded once the stop arm cameras began rolling in June of 2021.

Broome County Office of Emergency Services officials say they want motorists to remember that if they illegally pass a stopped school bus, they will be caught and fined.

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Buses all across Broome County are equipped with numerous cameras, including ones that activate when the stop arm extends.  This allows the area around the bus to be recorded in video and photographs automatically with vehicles captured on film when they illegally pass, placing the lives of children boarding and exiting the bus in danger.

Under New York State Motor Vehicle Law, drivers that approach a school bus that is stopped to receive or discharge passengers and has at least one flashing red light activated, must stop and stay stationary until the bus continues moving or the driver signals the other vehicle to pass.

New York State Law set the penalty scale at: initial violation carries a fine of 250 dollars, which is mailed to the recorded owner of the offending vehicle. Second and third violations in an 18-month periods carry fines of 275 and 300 dollars respectively.

Broome County’s stop arm program began this summer. With a summer break in July and August when there are far fewer buses on the road, 46 violations were still recorded.

In addition to being aware of school buses back on the road, motorists also need to remember that school zone speed limits are back in effect and they need to watch for children, especially around bus stops and school facilities.