Full Enforcement Begins After Five-Week Warning Period

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Public Schools will begin full enforcement of its school bus stop-arm camera program on April 27, issuing citations to drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

The five-week warning period ends today, April 1. During this time, drivers caught on camera failing to stop for a school bus with its stop signals activated received warning notices by mail. No financial penalty was issued during the warning period.

Beginning April 27, the Grand Rapids Police Department will review evidence captured by the cameras and issue citations to registered vehicle owners. The citation is sent to the vehicle owner regardless of who was actually driving at the time.

What the Law Requires

According to Michigan law, motorists must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when it is stopped and has activated its stop signal. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus begins moving again or the visual signals are deactivated.

Passing a stopped school bus that has its stop signals activated is a civil infraction in Michigan. Drivers face fines of $500 to $1,000 and up to 100 hours of community service.

New Safety Technology

Grand Rapids Public Schools partnered with BusPatrol and Dean Transportation to deploy stop-arm safety cameras on all 135 district school buses. The cameras are designed to capture evidence when a driver fails to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended.

Interior cameras have also been added to buses to add clarity when an incident occurs, according to the district. School officials say this has been a top request from parents and caregivers during transportation town hall events and from the GRPS Parent Transportation Advisory Council.

The camera systems are provided at no cost to the district. A portion of ticket revenue will be used to pay for the program.

District Officials on Safety

"The safety and well-being of our scholars is our top priority every day. Not just inside our schools, but everywhere our scholars go as part of their school day," said Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. "By adding stop-arm safety technology to our buses, we are creating safer conditions for scholars during one of the most vulnerable moments of their day."

Dean Transportation President and CEO Patrick Dean added, "More and more, drivers are choosing to ignore the flashing red lights on our school buses, putting our children at risk. Dean Transportation is proud to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to stay at the cutting edge of safety and innovation."

The Scope of the Problem

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, more than 2,200 drivers illegally pass stopped school buses in Michigan on a single day, adding up to over 400,000 violations each year.

"More and more, drivers are choosing to ignore the flashing red lights on our school buses, putting our children at risk," said Dean Transportation President and CEO Patrick Dean.

Interim Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Joe Trigg called the program a milestone for safety in the community. "Illegally passing a stopped school bus is one of the most dangerous traffic violations on our roads, and it is completely preventable. This program helps us address that risk by encouraging safer driving behavior around school buses."

What Drivers Need to Know

Drivers who receive citations will be notified by mail. The evidence is reviewed by the Grand Rapids Police Department before a citation is issued.

The program covers the entire district fleet of 135 school buses. Each bus is now equipped with exterior cameras that capture violations, as well as interior cameras that help determine liability when an incident occurs.

School officials continue to work with the Parent Transportation Advisory Council to ensure the program addresses safety concerns while providing clear communication to families about how the system works.