The North Huntingdon Township Police Department is proud to have partnered with Norwin School District and BusPatrol to tackle the illegal passing of stopped school buses. Beginning in October the entire fleet of Norwin buses was outfitted with automated enforcement technology to detect the license plates of vehicles that fail to stop for school buses, putting children at risk. The recorded video evidence is shared with local law enforcement for review before a citation is issued.
Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
o When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated, you MUST STOP.
o When approaching a school bus with flashing amber lights, SLOW DOWN and be PREPARED TO STOP.
o When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated, you MUST STOP.
o You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from the school bus.
o You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving.
o DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety.
In addition to stop-arm cameras, Norwin will equip its buses with safety features at no cost to the district or taxpayers. The technology, installation, and maintenance are funded by violation revenue over a 5-year term.
The penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Laws are as follows:
o Criminal Penalties -- Penalties listed below apply for citations issued by law enforcement for passing a school bus with red lights flashing and a stop arm activated.
o 60-day Driver’s License Suspension, Five (5) points on your driving record, and a $250 Fine.
o Civil Penalties -- The Penalty listed below applies when you are issued a violation for passing a school bus equipped with an automated side stop signal arm enforcement system.
o The penalty for a first-time violation is $300. No effect to your driving record (no suspension and no points)
With the roll-out of the program in October, there is an ongoing warning period through November 14, 2024, providing the opportunity for warnings to be given in lieu of a penalty. Law enforcement does reserve the right to issue penalties for any flagrant, serious, and/or egregious violations during the warning period.