Dearborn Announces New Plan To Catch Drivers Who Illegally Pass School Buses

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn officials launched a new program on Monday to tackle drivers who pass school buses illegally.

Officials will place new stop-arm cameras powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to detect when a driver fails to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm deployed. The cameras will turn on when a bus stops and activates its yellow lights. They will capture vehicle license plates and turn over the information to police.

Working with the company BusPatrol, officials said the new cameras will be placed on all the district's school buses.

Dearborn is the first community in the state to incorporate this district-wide bus safety program, which will be funded through violations, officials said.

"Our goal is simple: prevent dangerous driving and make our roads safer. This program is about changing behavior and sending a clear message: In Dearborn, we stop for school buses—every time," Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud said.

The new plan begins with a public awareness campaign and a warning period, during which drivers will receive warning letters with no monetary penalty. Citations will start going out on Jan. 19, 2026.

Drivers who do not stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing will face a $250 fine for a first offense, and $500 for any subsequent offenses within a 1-year period.

The evidence will be shared with the Dearborn Police Department for review before a citation is sent to the registered vehicle owner.

"We consider the school bus an extension of our school grounds, and it deserves the same level of care, oversight, and protection," Dearborn Schools Interim Superintendent Lamis Srour said. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting students not only in the classroom but everywhere their school day takes them."

Under Michigan law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion, or the visual signals are no longer activated.

"Our families deserve to know their children are safe walking to and from buses. This program is about changing driver behavior and keeping our kids safer," Dearborn Police Chief Issa Sahin said.