DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Proposed Civil Penalties for Bus Stop-Arm Violations
SUMMARY:
On April 7, 2016, Council members Alan E. Warrick and Ray Lopez requested City Council consider an ordinance that would create a civil penalty for "unlawfully passing a stopped school bus while loading and unloading students", to include an overview of best practices from other major Texas cities. Over the last several years, a number of area school districts have expressed support for increasing penalties for violations of traffic laws that prohibit motorists from passing stopped school buses. In response to the threat posed to child safety by this issue, four school districts - North East ISD, South San ISD, East Central ISD and Judson ISD - implemented bus camera pilot programs to collect data and demonstrate the extent of the problem in their respective communities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Based on the interest expressed by area school districts with respect to this matter, the SAPD sent letters to all area school district superintendents and police departments to advise each respective school district of City Council consideration of an ordinance establishing civil penalties for school bus stop-arm violations and encouraging each to share data and feedback that may be relevant during this process.
Existing Enforcement Resources
The San Antonio Police Department enforces two school bus-related traffic codes; the table below details the relevant traffic codes and fines associated with each. Over the last three years, a total of 418 citations have been issued to motorists observed violating these codes.
Traffic Violation
Base Fine
Passing Stopped School Bus
$500
Passing Stopped School Bus (Construction Zone)
$1,000
In addition, the SAPD employs 256 crossing guards which are assigned to elementary schools throughout the ...
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