New Yorkers Caught Doing This Will Now Pay a 1,500 Fine

Starting this month any repeat offender who breaks this traffic law in New York State will be fined $1,500.

Last month New York Governor Kathy Hochul made history when she signed eleven (11) new bills into legislation to maintain traffic safety and protect New Yorkers across the state.

New York Increases Road Safety

In an effort to do that Gov. Hochul extended New York City’s existing red light camera program until 2027 and increased the maximum number of intersections with a red light camera from 150 to 600. She established a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley Town of Greenburgh, NY, and gave the City of Kingston, NY the ability to start a speed camera program for up to three school zones to protect children on their way to and from school.

School Bus Fines Increase

She also signed new legislation that will increase the penalties for any driver who passes a stopped school bus with its lights on. Legislation S.9504A/A.3120A will "increase penalties for overtaking and passing a school bus." Any driver that is caught passing a stopped school bus for a third or subsequent violation within three years of each other will now be fined $1,500. Previous repeat offenders were fined $1000 after a third violation.

SEE ALSO: Truck Strikes Trooper & Tow Truck Driver in Upstate New York

The new law with stiffer penalties has become a necessity because some drivers still completely disregard school bus flashing lights and the bus stop arm.

Pass a School Bus Fine Structure in New York

Starting November 1st penalties for passing a stopped school bus in New York now range from no less than $250 to $400 for a first offense, $600 to $750 for a second offense within three years, and $750 to the new $1,500 for a third offense.

New York officials are hopeful that the higher fines will send a strong message to drivers about the severity of passing a stopped school bus in New York and hopefully deter them from doing it. Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, who cosponsored the bill told News 10,

“The fact is, what the numbers are showing is that every day more than 50,000 drivers illegally pass school buses in New York State, and that endangers kids lives."