Beginning Monday, Sept. 15, Chesterfield County Schools in partnership with Chesterfield County Police Department and BusPatrol, will launch a new school bus safety program. As part of this program, every school bus will be equipped with stop-arm safety cameras over the coming weeks.
Here’s what families need to know:
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How it works: When a bus stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing, the cameras will automatically capture any vehicle that drives past. Each incident will be reviewed by trained county staff before a notice is issued.
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30-day warning period: From Sept. 15 through Oct. 14, vehicle owners who illegally pass a stopped school bus will receive a warning letter. No fines will be issued during this time.
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Enforcement begins Oct. 15: After the warning period, drivers who fail to stop when a bus stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing will receive a $250 civil penalty. This fine does not add points to a driver’s license.
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The law: In Virginia, all drivers must stop when a bus has its stop-arm extended. The only exception is when the bus is on the opposite side of a median or barrier.
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Why this matters: Passing a stopped school bus is one of the most dangerous driving violations. In the annual National Illegal Passing Survey on March 26, 2025, Chesterfield bus drivers reported 384 violations in a single day. Each violation represents a serious risk to student safety. This program is designed to reduce violations and help keep children safe.
For more information about the use of stop arm cameras on Chesterfield County school buses, visit chesterfield.gov/safeschoolbuses.