New law increases penalties for passing school buses

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - A new law goes into effect November 1, increasing the penalties for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. The penalty structure under the law has also changed.

The law stems from the repeated disregard by drivers to follow flashing lights and the bus stop arm. This new law will amend the already standing vehicle and traffic rules and provide law enforcement with more tools to hold reckless drivers accountable and deter them from violating the law.

The new law brings higher fines for repeat offenders into place. For a third or subsequent violation within three years, the fine will increase from $1,000 to $1,500. Penalties for passing a stopped school bus now range from no less than $200 to $400 for a first offense, $600 to $750 for a second offense within three years, and $750 to newly $1,500 for a third offense.

Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara is among the 14 individuals cosponsoring the law, and said he hopes these higher fines detailed within the law spread a strong message about the severity of this passing a stopped bus and deter drivers from violations.

"The fact is, what the numbers are showing is that every day more than 50,000 drivers illegally pass school buses in New York State, and that endangers kids lives," Santabarbara said. "Also most school bus related accidents happen when students are crossing the street, not actually in a collision, so those two factors right there show that we need to do something."

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles recommends drivers to always be on alert for children and parents waiting for or trying to run and catch the school bus throughout the day. Drivers also must come to a full stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.