Florida schools consider bus cameras to catch stop-arm violators starting in July

CBS 12News | By Al Pefley | June 15, 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A new law takes effect in July that will enable school districts in Florida to equip school buses with exterior cameras to catch drivers who go around the bus when the bus has its stop arm extended as students are getting on or off the school bus.

Gov. DeSantis signed the measure into law recently. Violators could face a $225 fine.

We checked with school districts in our area to see if they plan to install exterior cameras on their school buses.

The Martin County School District says they’re interested in doing it and are researching their options.

The St. Lucie County School District says they aren’t going to make a decision until the Florida Dept. of Education issues guidelines and specifications on school bus cameras on or before the end of December.

The Okeechobee County School District says they’re interested in moving forward but need to get the details on what the cameras will cost.

A new law takes effect in July that will enable school districts in Florida to equip school buses with exterior cameras to catch drivers who go around the bus when the bus has its stop arm extended as students are getting on or off the school bus. Gov. DeSantis signed the measure into law recently. Violators could face a $225.00 fine. (WPEC)The Indian River County School District hopes to put cameras on school buses and says a presentation will be given to the school board so they can vote on the matter.

“Hopefully having these in place will encourage drivers to drive more safely when those buses are out there on the streets and hopefully that will form habits that last to when the buses aren’t on the streets,” said Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers. He said a fine of $225.00 is adequate to get drivers to comply.

“I do believe this is a safety measure and certainly if it’s feasible from a financial standpoint, cameras are getting cheaper these days, DVRs are cheaper than ever. I would hope that they have the ability to do it on all the school buses,” Sheriff Flowers told CBS12 News.

The Palm Beach County School District sent us this statement in an email: “Since this new legislation is optional, we are not considering it at this time.”

We asked a few parents what they think.

“I agree with the cameras. I’ve seen people go around the buses all over town, so I think especially around this area with the drivers how they are, we definitely want cameras on the buses,” said Taylor Vander Plaat, a West Palm Beach parent.

A new law takes effect in July that will enable school districts in Florida to equip school buses with exterior cameras to catch drivers who go around the bus when the bus has its stop arm extended as students are getting on or off the school bus. Gov. DeSantis signed the measure into law recently. Violators could face a $225.00 fine. (WPEC)“I think it’s a great idea, yeah. There’s a lot of people that drive really reckless and if kids are trying to cross the street, it’s super dangerous,” said Judy Meyer, a parent from Palm Bay.

“I mean honestly, that sounds like a great idea, man. Every day I drive by buses and I see people flying by. I mean it wouldn’t be a bad idea. It’d probably save a kid’s life or two, you know what I mean?” said Tony Mendoza, a parent from West Palm Beach whose child will start 5th grade in August.