TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would allow school buses to be equipped with monitoring cameras to capture motorists who illegally pass while children are boarding or exiting.
Today, bus drivers would be required to show up in court, as the video evidence alone is not sufficient. This law appears to seek to remove that requirement for ticketing. In the past, schools would be reluctant to allow their bus drivers take the time off work to attend court, which made those existing cameras, essentially useless for prosecution.
Senate Bill S1469, sponsored by Senators Joseph A. Lagana (D-Bergen) and Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex), would authorize municipalities and school districts to contract with private vendors to install and operate school bus monitoring systems. The systems would record video and images of vehicles that fail to stop for flashing red school bus lights, a violation that remains one of the most persistent threats to student safety on New Jersey roads.
Under the measure, a civil penalty of $250 would be issued to vehicle owners identified through the camera system. The violation would not carry motor vehicle penalty points or insurance surcharges. Proceeds from the fines would be directed to local governments and school districts to support traffic enforcement and public safety education programs.
Current law requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights. The penalty for a first offense includes a $250 fine and up to 15 days of community service, while repeat offenders face a $500 fine and a minimum of 15 days of service. S1469 adds the option for enforcement through automated video evidence, providing a mechanism for police to issue civil summonses without requiring an officer to witness the violation in person.
The bill also includes strict privacy and data retention provisions. Images captured by the cameras would not be considered public records under the state’s Open Public Records Act and could only be used for law enforcement purposes. Recordings would be deleted within 60 days after fines are collected or within 95 days if no summons is issued.
Supporters say the legislation aims to enhance child safety and assist local police by deterring reckless driving near school buses. Each recorded violation must be reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a summons is issued, and no ticket can be issued more than 90 days after the incident.
The measure authorizes the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission to establish regulations governing system standards and certification. It would take effect seven months after enactment, allowing time for administrative preparation.
If enacted, S1469 would make New Jersey one of several states to employ automated school bus cameras as a tool to reduce illegal passing incidents and protect students.
The bill would allow school districts and towns to use cameras on buses to fine drivers who fail to stop for flashing red lights.