Driver Ticketed For Passing School Bus In Brick

BRICK, NJ — A driver who passed a stopped school bus in Brick Township has been ticketed, Brick Township police said Wednesday evening.

Police said the incident happened on Old Squan Road, off Route 88. They did not say what date it happened, but said the bus was stopped with its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended and children were actively getting off the bus into the road.

The driver was identified and ticketed, police said, "thanks to the vigilance and assistance of the public." They did not release the name or other information about the driver.

Passing a school bus that is stopped with its red lights going and stop arm extended is punishable by a fine of $100 and up to 15 days in jail on a first offense, and a fine of $250 for each subsequent offense. It also is a five-point violation on the driving record.

"We understand the concern this causes our community," the police department said. "We want to thank our residents for their partnership in keeping our streets safe."

They urged drivers to remember the following rules when school buses are on the roads. "A moment of impatience is never worth risking a child's life," they said.

Yellow Lights: When yellow lights flash, this is a warning that the bus is approaching a stop. You must slow down and prepare to stop.

Red Lights & Stop Arms: If you approach a bus with flashing red lights from either direction, you must stop at least 25 feet away from the bus.

Divided Highways: If you are driving on the opposite side of the road separated by a physical median, you must slow down to 10 mph.

At Schools: If a bus is stopped directly in front of a school to pick up or drop off children, you may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph.

"Let’s work together to ensure every student in Brick Township gets to and from school safely. Please stay alert and eliminate distractions," the police department said.