NJ Senate Bill Proposes Cameras To Catch Drivers Illegally Passing School Buses

New Jersey lawmakers are pushing ahead with legislation that would equip school buses with monitoring cameras. Senate Bill S1469 aims to catch motorists who pass buses while kids get on or off. It would let towns and school districts hire private companies to install and run the systems.

Senators Joseph A. Lagana and Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. back the legislation. The cameras would capture video and photos of cars that blow past flashing red lights on buses.

Bus drivers must appear in court under existing law since video proof isn't sufficient. S1469 wants to eliminate that requirement. Schools have been hesitant to pull drivers from their routes for court appearances, rendering existing camera systems useless when it comes to prosecution.

Car owners caught through the camera system would pay a $250 civil penalty. No motor vehicle points or insurance hikes would apply. Revenue from fines would flow to local governments and school districts, funding traffic enforcement and public safety education.

State law requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet from a bus when red lights flash. First-time offenders pay $250 and complete up to 15 days of service. Those who break the law again face a $500 fine and must serve at least 15 days.

The bill introduces enforcement through automated video proof. Police could issue civil summonses without witnessing violations themselves. Each recorded incident must get reviewed by a law enforcement officer before a summons goes out, and tickets can't be issued more than 90 days after the violation occurs.

The legislation contains strict rules about privacy and data storage. Camera images wouldn't be public records under the state's Open Public Records Act and could only serve law enforcement needs. Recordings would be erased within 60 days after fines are paid or within 95 days if no summons gets issued.

The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission to create rules governing system standards and certification. It would become effective seven months after passage.

If passed, the bill would place New Jersey among several states using automated cameras to cut down on passing incidents and keep students safe.