The Fine For Passing a Stopped School Bus Has Increased (VIDEO)

The start of the 2017-18 school year for students in Montgomery County Public Schools system is just days away and starting this school, drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus will pay a heftier fine.

Maryland state law requires motorists to stop when the bus displays flashing red lights and remained stopped until the bus lights are turned off.  The only time a motorist does not have to stop is when travelling in the opposite direction of a bus on a multi-lane highway that is divided by a physical barrier such as a grassy or paved median strip, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.

Those who pass a bus illegally this year will pay a $250 fine, upped from $125 last year.

In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Captain Tom Didone from the Montgomery County Police Department explains why:

The 2016-17 school year generated more than 19,000 citations, according to Didone.  He explains the school bus laws in the video below:

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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