The City of Syracuse will begin a 30-day warning period for its new school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program on Monday, April 21. The initiative aims to protect students by cracking down on drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.
The cameras, mounted on school buses, automatically capture violations when a vehicle passes a bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing. During the initial warning phase, violators will receive warnings by mail, but no fines. Starting May 21, however, fines will go into effect—$250 for a first offense, $275 for a second, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense within an 18-month period. Each fine may also include an additional $25 penalty.
In a press release, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said the program is a crucial step in improving student safety. “Ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is an absolute top priority,” Walsh said. “This program is an important step in preventing dangerous incidents and holding drivers accountable for their actions around school buses.”
The program is a collaboration between the City of Syracuse, the Syracuse Police Department (SPD), and the Syracuse City School District. All captured violations are reviewed by SPD before a notice is sent to the registered vehicle owner, regardless of who was driving at the time of the offense.
“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our young people,” said Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile. “This equipment and software will provide us with the ability to hold motorists accountable if they jeopardize the safety of our children by passing a stopped school bus.”
Under New York State law, drivers approaching a school bus from either direction must stop when the stop-arm is extended and red lights are flashing. The local legislation allowing the program was approved by the Syracuse Common Council in June 2023.
The stop-arm camera program is the first phase of a broader city effort to enforce traffic laws in school zones. Later this year, Syracuse plans to introduce automated red-light cameras and speed cameras near schools.
