Credit: Hatboro-Horsham School District/YouTube.com
The Hatboro-Horsham School District has announced a new initiative aimed at improving student safety by partnering with local law enforcement agencies to implement a school bus safety enforcement program known as BusPatrol.
The collaboration will officially launch on June 1 and is designed to address the ongoing issue of drivers illegally passing stopped school buses—a dangerous and potentially life-threatening action that endangers children entering or exiting buses.
As part of the initiative, school buses throughout the district are now being equipped with advanced photo enforcement cameras. These specialized cameras, provided by BusPatrol, are installed on the exterior of the buses and are programmed to activate whenever the bus comes to a stop and deploys its stop-arm, accompanied by flashing red lights. The cameras are capable of capturing high-resolution images and video footage of any vehicles that fail to stop as required by law. The footage collected is then reviewed by local law enforcement officers before any formal violation notices or citations are issued to offending drivers.
According to district and police officials, this program will operate throughout the entire calendar year—not just during the school year—ensuring that drivers remain vigilant and accountable whenever they encounter a school bus in operation. The enforcement system is designed not only to catch violations after they occur but also to serve as a powerful deterrent to reckless or inattentive driving behavior near school buses.
Authorities are taking the opportunity to remind area motorists about Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping laws, which are in place to protect children as they get on and off the bus. Under state law, all drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop-arm is extended. This rule applies whether a driver is approaching from behind the bus or from the opposite direction on an undivided roadway. Failing to stop under these circumstances constitutes a serious traffic violation.
For a first-time offense, the penalties can be significant. Drivers caught illegally passing a stopped school bus can face a $300 fine, as well as points on their driver’s license and potential increases in their insurance premiums. Repeat offenses may result in even steeper penalties, including license suspension and additional fines.
The idea for implementing the BusPatrol camera enforcement program originated from the district’s Safe Schools Committee, a group dedicated to evaluating and enhancing safety protocols for students across the Hatboro-Horsham School District. The committee worked in collaboration with both the Hatboro Police Department and the Horsham Township Police Department to research best practices and identify effective solutions. Following a series of evaluations, planning sessions, and community discussions, the decision was made to move forward with the BusPatrol system as a cost-effective and technologically advanced tool for improving bus stop safety.
Officials hope the program will raise awareness about the importance of safe driving near school buses and significantly reduce the number of illegal passings, which have been a persistent concern for school administrators and parents alike. Many school districts across Pennsylvania and the United States have already adopted similar technology with promising results, reporting fewer violations and increased public awareness of school bus safety rules.
As the program rolls out, both the school district and local police departments will be monitoring its effectiveness and engaging in public outreach to ensure that all residents are informed about the law, the consequences of violations, and the overall goal of keeping students safe. They emphasize that the program is not intended to be punitive, but rather to serve as a proactive measure that prioritizes the well-being of the community’s children.
More information about the BusPatrol program, including frequently asked questions and details about the enforcement process, is expected to be shared through the district’s website, social media platforms, and local news outlets in the coming weeks. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the school district or their local police department for further clarification.
