Somerset Co. Schools to launch automated enforcement to stop illegal passing of school buses

Image: Somerset County Public Schools

WESTOVER, Md. – Somerset County officials are working to stop the illegal passing of school buses.

Starting Monday, April 11th, all 40 buses in the Somerset County School District fleet will be outfitted with automated enforcement technology, including stop-arm cameras. We’re told this technology captures the license plates of vehicles that ignore school buses as children are loading and unloading. Footage of violations will be given to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office as part of an evidence package to be reviewed for a possible civil penalty.

Sheriff Howard said: “The BusPatrol school bus safety program is an ongoing partnership between the Somerset County Board of Education and the Sheriff’s Office to make roads safer for children. Our number one priority is the safety of children.”

Additionally, buses in the district will be outfitted with 360-degree safety cameras, GPS tracking, 4G LTE connectivity, and routing solutions. The technology, installation, and maintenance are provided free through the violator-funded program.

According to Maryland law, drivers approaching the bus from both directions must stop, except on divided highways with a median separation. Drivers are not to proceed again until the school bus turns off its flashing red lights or begins moving. A first-time violation issued through an automated enforcement system is $250 or $570 and three points against your license if witnessed by an officer.