New Law Aims to Protect Kids in Ulster County

Drivers across Ulster County are being put on notice after a new local law was approved aimed at deterring drivers from illegally passing stopped school buses.

Cameras Coming to School Buses in Ulster County, NY

If you spend any time driving in Ulster County during the school year, you’ll want to pay attention to this.

According to WTEN, the Ulster County Legislature has officially approved a law that will allow school districts to install safety cameras on school buses in an effort to crack down on illegal passings that continue to put kids at risk every single day.

Under the new law, the county will partner with BusPatrol, a company already working with school districts and law enforcement across the Hudson Valley, to install and operate the camera systems.

Here’s How It Works

If a violation is captured, it doesn’t automatically mean you'll get a ticket. First, the footage will be reviewed by BusPatrol. Then it'll be sent to a technician with law enforcement experience at the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, who will make the final decision on whether a violation is issued.

There will also be a grace period. For the first 30 days, drivers will receive warnings. After that, fines will be issued, but no points will be added to your license.

No Cost to Ulster County

The new program isn't expected to cost taxpayers anything as BusPatrol covers everything from installation and maintenance to signage, program management, and customer service. Any of the money Ulster County receives from the program will go toward reviewing violations and funding future traffic safety education programs.

Which Schools Will Use It?

There are currently eight school districts in Ulster County that can choose to opt into the program, but none are required to participate.

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The initiative, introduced by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, is part of a broader push to improve road safety. Metzger has also supported the use of radar speed signs across the county to slow drivers down and collect traffic data.

“Illegal passings of stopped school buses occur on an almost routine basis, endangering the lives of children crossing the street to and from the bus,” Metzger said. “In partnership with school districts, the new program will combine public education and robust enforcement to greatly reduce illegal passings and ensure the safe delivery of our kids to school and back home again.”

BusPatrol is already in use at school districts across the Hudson Valley, including in Rockland, Orange, and Dutchess counties, where 11 of the 13 districts are already on board.