JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools has partnered with BusPatrol America to roll out a new safety initiative aimed at protecting more than 30,000 students who ride school buses each day.
The School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program officially began April 1, equipping more than 900 district buses with cameras designed to capture vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while their stop arms are extended and red lights are flashing.
Under Florida Statute 316.172, drivers are required to stop for a school bus in these conditions. Violators will receive a Notice of Violation along with a $225 fine once enforcement begins.
District officials said the program is being implemented in phases:
- Installation Phase: Camera installation began in March and is expected to be completed by the end of April.
- Awareness Phase (April): Drivers who violate the law receive warning notices with access to video footage, but no fines are issued.
- Enforcement Phase (beginning May 1): Official citations will be issued, with fines of $225 per violation.
All violations are reviewed by school police before a citation is issued.
The district said the program is necessary due to the number of violations seen statewide. Florida reported more than 8,000 stop-arm violations in a single day in 2025, highlighting the risks students face when entering or exiting buses.
Officials emphasized that the goal is not revenue, but safety.
“This initiative adds an extra layer of protection for our students and helps change dangerous driving behavior around school buses,” the district said in a statement.
The program operates at no cost to the district, using a revenue-sharing model funded by citations as outlined in state law.
If the registered owner of a vehicle was not driving at the time of a violation, they may submit documentation or an affidavit to contest the citation.
District leaders are urging drivers to remain alert and follow school bus laws to help keep students safe.