March 31, 2026 — Duval County Public Schools has partnered with BusPatrol America to launch a new safety initiative effective April 1 that adds an extra layer of protection for the more than 30,000 Team Duval students who ride our school buses daily.
Through the School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program, the district’s more than 900 buses are being equipped with stop-arm camera technology. This system will capture video and license plate information of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus while the stop-arm is extended, and the flashing red lights are activated. Motorists who fail to stop will receive a Notice of Violation and be subject to a $225 monetary fine.
Under Florida State Statute 316.172, motorists are required to stop when a school bus extends its stop arm and activates its flashing red lights. Unfortunately, not all drivers comply with this law, putting our students at risk for serious injury or even death. The goal of the Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program is to increase awareness of school bus safety laws and to reduce dangerous driving behaviors around school buses. Keeping our students safe requires the entire community.
What is the timeline?
The initiative will roll out in phases to ensure the community is well-informed:
Camera Installation: Camera installation began in March and is expected to be completed within the month of April.
Public Awareness Campaign Phase: During April, the district will engage in a public awareness campaign. During this time, the stop-arm cameras will be activated, and motorists who violate the law will receive a Warning Notice of Violation in the mail, which will include a link to view video footage of the violation.
Enforcement Phase: Beginning May 1, official Notices of Violation will be issued, and motorists who fail to stop for a school bus will be subject to a $225 monetary fine in accordance with Florida law. Video footage of all stop-arm violations will be reviewed by law enforcement to confirm if a violation occurred, prior to a citation being issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this program necessary?
The State of Florida documented more than 8,000 school bus stop-arm violations in 2025. By installing stop-arm camera technology, we hope to change the dangerous driving behaviors that we see around school buses.
Florida Statutes 316.172 and 318.18(5), along with legislation established through SB 994, establishes the requirement for motorists to stop for a school bus, the penalty fee for violating the law and authorizes the use of stop-arm camera enforcement technology.
How much is the fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus?
The penalty fee is $225 per occurrence. The fee amount was established by Florida State Statute 316.173, 318.18(5) and SB 994.
How do we pay the citation?
Instructions for payment will be included in the Notice of Violation.
How much money does this program cost the district?
This initiative will not cost the district any money. The program will operate through a revenue-sharing model that is funded strictly by the citations issued as outlined in Florida statutes 316.172 and 318.18(5).
What if the registered owner is not the driver of the vehicle?The registered vehicle owner may need to provide proof and/or an affidavit that they were not driving at the time of the occurrence.
When were the cameras installed?
Stop-arm camera installation began in March and is expected to be completed within the month of April.
Who is the vendor for the stop-arm cameras program?BusPatrol America was approved to administer the Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program by the School Board at the Oct. 7, 2026, Board meeting. The contract period is for three years.