Mayor Announces Warning Period for Bus Stop-Arm Camera Enforcement
Published on April 16, 2025
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse will begin the warning period for the new school bus stop-arm camera enforcement program on April 21. The initiative, part of a multi-stage effort to improve student safety, will issue violations to drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses while their lights are flashing and their stop-arms are extended to pick up and drop off students.
This program, in partnership with the Syracuse Police Department and the Syracuse City School District, utilizes cameras mounted on school buses to capture violations. During the 30-day warning period, drivers who are captured on camera passing a stopped school bus with its stop-arm extended will receive a warning but will not be fined.
Bus stop-arm cameras capture violations as they occur. Each infraction is reviewed for accuracy by the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). Violators will receive notice of the violation by mail, which includes a photo of the incident and an invoice for the corresponding fine. Per New York State law, the registered owner of the vehicle will be issued the ticket, not the driver.
Fine amounts are set by New York State. Beginning May 21, violators will incur fines as follows: a $250 fine for the first infraction within an 18-month period, a $275 fine for the second infraction within the same timeframe, and a $300 fine for the third or any subsequent infractions within 18 months. All fines may be subject to a $25 penalty.
"Ensuring the safety of our children as they travel to and from school is an absolute top priority," said Mayor Walsh. "This program is an important step in preventing dangerous incidents and holding drivers accountable for their actions around school buses. We encourage all drivers to be vigilant and adhere to traffic laws, especially in school zones."
“As the prime sponsor of this bill in the Assembly, I am pleased that the City of Syracuse and the Syracuse City School District are implementing STOP-Arm Cameras,” said Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli. “It will serve as an important reminder for motorists to drive safely around school buses and always stop for a bus loading and unloading children.”
“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.”
“The Syracuse City School District is in full support of the new bus stop-arm camera enforcement because it amplifies the safety of our students and holds drivers accountable for their actions,” said Superintendent Anthony Davis. “This proactive measure not only protects our students but also serves as an essential reminder to our community about the importance of safe driving and the danger of going around school buses."
Under New York State law, vehicles approaching a bus from the front or rear are required to stop when a school bus has its stop-arm extended and lights flashing. This program, authorized by New York State, will help with compliance and provide a safer environment for children as they board or disembark from their buses. The Syracuse Common Council approved required local legislation authorizing the program in June of 2023.
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.