Minnesota Could Increase Fines For Drivers Violating School Bus Laws

Motorists who violate safety rules around school buses could soon face more expensive fines.

Under a bill approved last month by the Minnesota House Transportation Finance Committee - and then added as an amendment to an omnibus transportation bill during a later hearing - the minimum fine for failing to stop for a school bus that has activated its flashing lights and stop arm would increase from $300 to $500, according to Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. The violation would remain a misdemeanor.

Tom Keliher, who was representing the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association at the March 20 hearing, told the committee that during a recent one-day survey of Minnesota school bus drivers, roughly 500 violations were reported. Yet, there are only about 300 convictions per year for violation of school bus stop arm statutes.

"At any one time, we can have between 70 and 75 students on the bus, and anything that endangers them makes for a hazardous situation," said Steve Hale, general manager of Owatonna Bus Company. "It's truly a bus driver's nightmare to have an incident happen where someone gets hurt, and we are always hoping for a safe bus ride for everyone."

Regarding increasing the financial penalty, Hale said, "some people just don't respond to small fines." However, "they'll listen if it stings them a little more."

Faribault Transportation Co. Manager Garrett Regan said he's glad for the discussion of stop arm violations, or when cars drive past buses while the bus has the stop sign extended for kids getting on and off.

"A fine for that could raise the awareness," Regan said. "The more individuals who are aware of the stop arm is definitely better."

While some drivers willfully disregard regulations they know well, other times "it's a problem with teaching people the rules," he said. Motorists "need to learn how to handle that situation when you are approaching a bus or when one is approaching you."

Hale believes the awareness classes should to be part of general driving training when youth are first attempting to get their licenses, but they should be encouraged for individuals of all ages, too, because those who violate the rules around buses are "not just one age category," Hale added.

In addition, many insurance companies offer discounts to motorists who have successfully completed driving courses.

Money from fines could also fund more cameras on buses, he said. While the surveillance cameras inside buses catch some of what occurs outside, other cameras catch everything.

Northfield buses come equipped with four interior cameras, which became part of the contract with Northfield Public Schools six years ago, according to Benjamin Bus-Northfield Manager Jenna Dardis. The cameras can show how fast a bus is going, when bus lights are activated to signal a stop for other drivers and the exact time a stop arm is extended.

"It's like any other stop sign that you'd stop for as a driver," Dardis said. "I think, actually, it's of the utmost importance because these are children."

These cameras can also catch the car color, make and model that law enforcement can use to track down cars that didn't stop, Dardis said.

Faribault buses don't have cameras and Regan said they could benefit from fines that help fund cameras.

"Whether it would come to fruition that way, I guess time will tell," Regan said.

Regan said Faribault bus drivers take extra steps, like waiting to wave kids across the street, to react to drivers who don't abide by the stop arm.

Some are less forgiving of drivers who ignore the rules, he said.