School Bus Safety Program

Salisbury Township School District has partnered with BusPatrol to launch a school bus safety program in line with PA Motor Vehicle Code § 3345.1.

All district buses are equipped with 360° safety cameras inside and outside the bus, including photo enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses. This safety initiative will curb dangerous motorist behavior and make the ride to and from school safer for all student riders.

This technology is all included as part of the program at zero cost to the school district and taxpayers.

The program has been successful in increasing bus safety. See the 24-25 Annual Report. and the story behind the numbers published in our December 2025 Community update.

What Happens If You Illegally Pass a Stopped School Bus in Salisbury Township School District

Cameras on the side of school buses help capture violation events and vehicle license plate numbers.

The violation is reviewed by law enforcement. Once approved, a notice of violation is sent to the registered vehicle owner by mail.

In Pennsylvania, a first-time stop-arm violation witnessed by a stop-arm enforcement carries a fine of $300 and no points.

In addition to the financial deterrent, violators learn about the potential dangers of their actions. Offenders can call the program's toll-free number and speak with a representative, who can review the video evidence and help them understand the dangers of illegal passing. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.

Data from other safety programs demonstrates that 98% of first-time offenders do not receive a second ticket, and 95% of drivers do not contest their ticket after seeing video evidence of their violation.

When Should I Stop for a School Bus in Pennsylvania

  • Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop-arm activated.

  • Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.

  • Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

  • If a physical barrier separates the roadways such as grassy medians, guide rails, or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

  • Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.