Rockland Police Departments to Enhance School Bus Safety Through Education and Enforcement

by Monsey.info

As part of the “No Empty Chair” traffic safety campaign from the Governor of New York State, the Ramapo Police Department will once again be participating in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s program entitled Operation Safe Stop. Operation Safe Stop seeks to promote school bus safety through education and enforcement efforts.

As part of the enhanced enforcement, police officers will be in marked and unmarked patrol cars on selected bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints.

According to New York State Law, “It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights located on top of the bus are flashing.”

The red lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students, and “You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.”

You must always stop for flashing red lights, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds, something that many drivers tend to forget.

The first-time fine for illegally passing a school bus is a $250 to $400 fine, 5 points on your license, and/or possibly 30 days in jail.

“The Ramapo Police Department values the safety of your school children and will continue this effort throughout the year,” the department wrote. “Please drive carefully and STOP for our school buses.”