Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law that will allow schools in New York State to install cameras on the stop arms of school buses. The cameras are intended to automatically record anyone who passes a school bus illegally.
Unfortunately, accidents involving drivers who illegally pass school buses are far too common. State officials have estimated that there are nearly 50,000 incidents in which stopped school buses are passed each day in New York. In some instances, the illegal passing of the school bus results in a child being struck by a passing vehicle.
The passing of school buses is covered in New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law §1174(a). According to that law, a driver must stop before reaching a school bus if the bus is stopped in order for passengers to get on or off the bus. When a bus is loading or unloading passengers, there is usually an electronic stop sign with blinking lights that will extend from the side of the school bus. The driver is obligated to remain stopped until the school bus starts to move again, or until the driver is signaled by either the bus driver or by a police officer to continue driving.
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1174(b) establishes the requirements for school bus drivers. That law requires school bus drivers to instruct passengers to cross in the road in front of the bus if the passengers have to cross the road. The bus driver must remain at a stop and keep red light signals flashing until the passengers have gone across the road and are at least 15 feet from the bus.
Under the new law, New York State schools will have the option of installing cameras on the arms of the bus’ stop signs in order to track drivers who violate the law. It is estimated that the cameras will cost the districts up to $7,000 per camera. The districts will then be required to provide the pictures of passing vehicles to local municipalities and law enforcement. Each district will have an ability to opt into the program and officials say that municipalities and districts will be able to cut deals with the camera companies to install cameras for no charge while allowing the companies to keep a share of the money.
The fine for a violation of VTL §1174(b) for a first-time offender is a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $400. The fines increase for repeat offenders. VTL §1174 also allows for a criminal charge for which the motorist can be sentenced to a maximum of 30 days imprisonment. There is also a possibility of points being assessed to the motorist’s driving record for a violation of the law which could result in the revocation of one’s license. These violations can have an effect on motorists who require a clean driving record for employment or are concerned about automobile insurance rates increasing.
In all, the legislation was put in place to keep the roadways safer for children who are often vulnerable when crossing the street. Previous attempts at cracking down on a violation of VTL §1174 have resulted in thousands of tickets being issued within a short time frame. It is believed that with the new law, individuals will be more cautious and aware of the consequences when passing a stopped school bus. The law is slated to go into effect just before the new school year in September.
Under the new law, more individuals are subject to receiving a ticket for VTL §1174(b). An experienced Long Island traffic lawyer can help minimize the impact that a traffic ticket or arrest can have on your life. The Long Island traffic lawyers at McGuire, Peláez & Bennett, PC are experienced in handling these cases and will fight vigorously on your behalf. For information or to schedule a consultation, contact our Suffolk County traffic lawyers at (631) 348-1702.
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