Maryland Law requires that when approaching a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated, motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. The law also requires that motorists approaching the bus from the opposite direction must stop unless there is a physical barrier, such as a median.
When Montgomery County Public School students returned to classes after the New Year, the County Police began a new enforcement program -- “Respect the Bus: Don’t Get Bus-ted” -- targeting motorists who pass stopped school buses.
Several school buses are now equipped with automated cameras that record vehicles passing stopped school buses that have their flashing red lights activated. The violations will be reviewed by the Police Department’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Unit, and citations will be mailed to the registered vehicle owners. The fine is $125 and no points.
The program will expand over the next several months, targeting bus routes with the highest reports of violations. The cameras can be moved throughout the County as needed.
For more information about the program, contact the Police Traffic Division at 240-773-6600.
Read the flyer about the program, including illustrations of situations when motorists must stop for the school bus.
