It’s about to get harder to get away with illegally passing a stopped school bus in the city of Syracuse. In an article from WSYR-TV and an April 21 news release by the city, the city activated its fleet of cameras that automatically record traffic passing a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop sign is deployed.

According to the article, in 2024 the Syracuse Common Council contracted with Jenoptik, a globally operating technology group that provides state-of-the-art photo enforcement technology to positively impact driver behavior and enhance the safety on our roads. These include speed and red-light cameras as well as many other enforcement applications.

Bus stop-arm cameras capture violations as they occur. Each infraction is reviewed for accuracy by the Syracuse Police Department. Violators will receive notice of the violation by mail, which includes a photo of the incident and an invoice for the corresponding fine. The registered owner of the vehicle will be issued the ticket, because the camera photos cannot identify the driver.

The school bus cameras became effective on April 21, but the first month will result in warning tickets only. Fines will be issued starting on May 21. The fines range from $250 for the first infraction, $275 for a second violation within 18 months, and $300 for further violations. All fines may be subject to a $25 penalty.

These fines are for infractions caught on school bus-mounted cameras. Normally, under NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, passing a stopped school bus is subject to a first offense fine of $250 to $400 plus surcharges and up to 30 days in jail. The driver also receives five points on his/her license.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of our young people, especially as they travel to and from school,” 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.”

Bus stop arm cameras are the first step of a multi-stage city of Syracuse program for school zone traffic enforcement. The city will introduce automated red-light cameras and automated speed cameras in school zones later this year.