Governor Roy Cooper signed into law Senate Bill 55 in July to help protect students from unsafe drivers and give parents and teachers added peace of mind when sending children to the school bus.

SB 55 follows several instances of students being injured or killed by unsafe drivers while waiting for, or getting on or off, a school bus.  Now, North Carolina school systems will be able to use the same technology that catches drivers who run red lights to catch violators who pass stopped school buses.

Cameras are being installed on buses to capture photos and video of drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. Violators will be issued tickets and ordered to pay a fine of at least $400. Law enforcement officers can also use the videos to bring criminal charges when warranted.

To learn more about school bus safety in North Carolina, visit ncbussafety.org.