North Haven Launching School Bus Stop-Arm Camera System: Here’s What To Know

NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven is launching its new school bus safety program with stop-arm cameras in April.

The town announced, in conjunction with DATTCO Transportation, the North Haven Police Department, and the support of North Haven Public Schools, its participation in the BusPatrol Safety Program.

The BusPatrol Safety Program is “designed to protect children from the growing problem of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses,” according to a news release.

Officials said a recent study in Bridgeport recorded nearly 10,000 illegal passings in six months using stop-arm cameras installed on 74 school buses.

“Every one of those violations represents a potential tragedy – and a child placed in harm’s way,” North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda wrote in a news release. “To prevent dangerous driving and improve enforcement, all school buses in our district will now be equipped with safety cameras that automatically record vehicles that illegally pass when the stop-arm is extended. Each potential violation will be sent and reviewed by local law enforcement to determine if a citation is issued.”

North Haven police said the school bus stop-arm camera system will officially go live on April 13.

“For the past several months, we have been operating in a warning phase, giving drivers the opportunity to become familiar with the system and adjust their driving behavior,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “Since beginning our warning phase, we have reviewed hundreds of violations, with nearly 300 approved after review (warnings sent.)

“Beginning the morning of April 13, 2026 violations captured by the system will result in enforcement and issuance of citations.

“It is illegal—and dangerous—to pass a stopped school bus when its red flashing lights are activated and the stop sign and stop arm are extended. These ordinances are in place to protect children as they get on and off the bus.

“We encourage all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and stop when required.”

Read details on the program from the town below:

Our Goal

This School Bus Safety Program is designed to reduce reckless driving around school buses and create safer roads for everyone in our community. Data shows that over 90% of first-time violators do not commit a second offense – a strong indicator that the program has the potential to change driver behavior. By working together, we can increase awareness and encourage responsible driving habits around the yellow school bus.

FAQs

How often do cars illegally pass stopped school buses in Connecticut?

Data from school districts across Connecticut shows that illegal passings of stopped school buses happen alarmingly often. In one pilot study, 74 buses equipped with stop-arm cameras recorded nearly 10,000 violations in just six months—an average of more than two illegal passings per busper day.

These numbers highlight the urgent need for enforcement and public awareness to protect students as they get on and off the bus.

Nationwide, the National Association of State Director of Pupil Transportation Services estimated that there are an estimated 45 million illegal passing violations each year in the US.

These alarming statistics underscore the prevalence and danger of illegally passing school buses, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement measures to protect children.

When should you stop for a stopped school bus in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of a school bus that is displaying its flashing red signal lights and remain there until the bus no longer displays the lights.

• Two-lane road: All drivers moving in either direction on a two-way street must stop for a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal.
• Multi-lane road: On a multi-lane roadway without a safety island or physical barrier, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus displaying a stop signal.
• Divided highway with a safety island or physical barrier: The only time traffic approaching an oncoming school bus does not need to stop, is if there is a safety island or physical barrier separating the roadways.

For more information on the laws about when to stop for a stopped school bus in Connecticut, refer to CT Gen Stat § 14-279 (2024)

How does the school bus safety program work?

Through the School Bus Safety Program, we have equipped every bus in our School District’s fleet with advanced safety technology, including AI-powered stop-arm cameras. These cameras detect when a vehicle breaks the law and illegally passes a stopped school bus.

By using automated enforcement, local law enforcement can monitor every school bus stop and hold drivers accountable for violating the law and putting students at risk.

Over time, the program helps change driver behavior, reduce illegal passings, and ensure children get to and from school safely every day.

1. When a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus displaying its stop signal, the stop-arm camera captures footage of the violation.
2. The footage is securely sent to law enforcement for their independent review to confirm if a violation occurred.
3. If law enforcement confirms the violation, a Notice of Violation is mailed to the registered vehicle owner.

Data shows that over 90% of first-time violators do not illegally pass a school bus again, making roads safer for students.

How does the program educate motorists about when to stop for a school bus, promoting school bus safety beyond ticketing?

The School Bus Safety Program combines education and enforcement to change motorist behavior and promote a culture of awareness and responsibility around school buses.

The program was preceded by an extensive public awareness campaign including press, social media, and community engagement to inform motorists about the change to enforcement.

This education is ongoing, and we are dedicated to making roads safer by educating our community about school bus safety to ensure safer roads for everyone.

What does Connecticut law say about school bus cameras?

In 2024, Connecticut passed a law allowing municipalities and boards of education to install and operate automated school bus stop-arm camera systems. These systems can be used to detect violations where drivers illegally pass a stopped school bus.

For more information, refer to CT Gen. Stat. § 14-279c (2024)

How much is the fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus?

The fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus if enforced through a stop-arm camera detection system is $250 for a first offense with no license points.

Read more at the town’s website here.