Bill > S1865

This bill allows cities and towns to install and operate "school bus violation detection monitoring systems," which are camera systems designed to capture vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights and its deployed "stop arm traffic control sign" (a stop sign on a mechanical arm). A "violation" is defined as a driver failing to stop for such a school bus. These systems must capture clear images of the vehicle's license plate, date, time, and location, and are intended to avoid capturing images of the driver or passengers. Buses equipped with these systems must display warning signs. Penalties for violations are fines, not criminal convictions, though they will be noted on the owner's driving record. Fines collected will go to the city or town where the offense occurred. The bill also outlines procedures for issuing citations, contesting violations, and handling appeals, and specifies that recorded images not showing a violation must be destroyed within 30 days, while those showing a violation must be destroyed within one year of the case's final disposition. Annual reports on the system's use and revenue will be submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.