Chester Police Issue Bus Safety Reminders For Drivers

CHESTER, NJ — As October comes to an end and the school year progresses in Chester, police are reminding drivers to adhere to the state's School Bus Stopping Law due to recent incidents.

In a message to the community, police noted that the department has received multiple complaints regarding the unlawful passing of school buses since the new school year started this past August.

As a reminder, police noted that many local school buses are equipped with video surveillance cameras that can capture license plates. This footage has been, and will continue to be, accepted as proof of violations.

Officers in both marked and unmarked vehicles will also be monitoring school buses during their routes, prepared to stop any vehicles for observed violations, police warned.

With that, here are safety reminders for motorists and for parents whose children ride school buses, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For drivers:

• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may run into the street without looking for traffic.

It is illegal under New Jersey law to pass a school bus that is stopped and has its red flashing lights and stop arm activated.

• Motorists must stop at least 25 feet from the bus and wait until the bus driver turns off the flashing red lights to resume travel.
• Motorists in the opposite lane on a road with a physical divider may pass at 10 mph, according to state law.

Under New Jersey Motor Vehicle Law, police can issue citations to the registered owner of any vehicle that passes a school bus with its red lights flashing. Just like a parking ticket, there’s no requirement for police to identify the driver; the responsibility lies with the owner.

This citation carries a mandatory court appearance, 5 motor vehicle points, and a substantial fine, police said.