Michigan Drivers Could Get a $500 Ticket Without Seeing a Cop

I don’t understand how this still happens as often as it does. I see drivers blow right past school buses with their red lights flashing all the time. We’re talking about kids getting on or off the bus, yet some people either aren’t paying attention or just don’t care.

Michigan changed the law last year, allowing tickets to be issued based solely on footage from school bus stop arm cameras. Now, districts around the state are starting to add those cameras to their buses.

What Is the Fine for Passing a School Bus in Michigan?

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According to the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, the cameras can capture your vehicle, license plate, time, and location. Police still have to review the footage, but if they determine you broke the law, the ticket can be mailed directly to the registered owner.

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The fine can range from $100 to $500. Camera-issued tickets won’t add points to your license, which honestly surprises me. Blowing past a school bus with its red lights flashing seems like exactly the kind of violation that should come with points.

.When Do Michigan Drivers Have to Stop for a School Bus?

When a school bus has its red lights flashing, Michigan drivers have to stop at least 20 feet away and stay there until the lights turn off or the bus starts moving again.

And yes, traffic going in both directions has to stop. The exception is when you’re traveling in the opposite direction on a road divided by a raised median or physical barrier. However, if there’s a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway, you still have to stop. A painted center lane doesn’t count as a physical divider.

What Do the Yellow School Bus Lights Mean?

I’ve noticed buses turning on their yellow flashers way ahead of time lately. Sometimes it’s honestly hard to tell exactly when you’re supposed to stop because they seem to stay on forever.

Yellow lights don’t mean stop immediately. They’re warning you that the bus is getting ready to stop. Slow down, pay attention, and prepare to stop.

Once those lights turn red, there’s no confusion. Stop and stay put. Those cameras could be watching, but more importantly, a kid could be crossing the road.