County Executive Adam Bello Announces Launch Of School Bus Camera Safety Program At Spencerport Central School District

September 2nd, 2025

Warning period begins September 4 - Ticketing starts October 6

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School Bus Safety Program Info

As the new school year approaches, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the Spencerport Central School District as the newest district to begin the Monroe County School Bus Safety program. This partnership with stop-arm enforcement technology provider, BusPatrol, equips school buses with stop-arm cameras to capture and enforce violations when motorists illegally pass stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing red lights.

"All students and school staff deserve to feel safe as they travel to and from school each day," said County Executive Bello. "This partnership with BusPatrol and the Spencerport Central School District will hold dangerous drivers accountable and prevent tragedies before they happen. I thank Spencerport for prioritizing student safety and encourage every district in Monroe County to adopt this life-saving program."

Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must stop for school buses that display flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm, regardless of whether they are approaching from the front or rear, and regardless of the type of roadway.

Spencerport joins Hilton, East Irondequoit, Webster, Monroe BOCES 1 and Greece Central School Districts in the program. All suburban districts in Monroe County are eligible to participate with Board of Education approval.

In its second year of operation, the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program issued over 8,500 citations to motorists during the 2024-25 school year. In total, 13,300 citations have been issued since the program's inception in October 2023.

Spencerport Central School District Superintendent Ty Zinkiewich said, "I want to express my gratitude to the county for launching this important program to enforce the laws against passing a stopped school bus. Participating in this initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety of our students, particularly around our bus stops. Together, we are making a commitment to protect our students and create a safer environment for all."

"I am glad to see Spencerport Central School District join this important safety initiative just as students and staff return for the new school year," said Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Román. "We know that in rural and suburban areas, children are at even greater risk when drivers ignore school bus stop arms, often at higher speeds. Expanding this safety program into Spencerport is a critical step to protect students, hold negligent drivers accountable, and give families peace of mind that their children can travel to and from school safely."

"The safety of our students will always be one of our top priorities - whether they are in the classroom, at home, or riding the bus," said Monroe County Legislator Robert J. Colby. "I am proud that the Spencerport Central School District has joined with Monroe County in the School Bus Camera Safety Program. This partnership will help hold reckless drivers accountable and give families greater peace of mind knowing their children are safer traveling to and from school each day."

"As chair of the Monroe County Traffic Safety Board, I'm proud to see more school districts joining the great partnership with BusPatrol and Monroe County. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 5,000 tickets were issued to motorists illegally passing school buses in Greece Central School District alone, which equated to more than 27 violations per day. This partnership provides a level of assurance that motorists are being held accountable. We need motorists to understand the importance of stopping for the red lights of our school buses each and every day. The safety and well-being of our students and staff depends on it!" said David Richardson, Monroe County Traffic Safety Board Chair.

The program will begin with a 30-day "warning period" starting September 4. During this time, violators will receive warning letters without fines. Beginning October 6, drivers caught illegally passing a stopped school bus will face a $250 fine for a first offense, with escalating penalties for repeat violations within 18 months.

All suburban school districts in the county are eligible to participate in the School Bus Safety Program. The City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District School Board approved their own program in partnership with BusPatrol in March.

More information about Monroe County's stop-arm camera safety program can be found at https://www.monroecounty.gov/school-bus-safety.