Press Release
♦ Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate on Wednesday tentatively passed a bill that would increase the punishment for drivers who jeopardize children’s lives by passing stopped school buses.
Senate Bill 298, sponsored by Sens. John Alexander (R-Wake) and Tom McInnis (R-Richmond), would allow counties to adopt an ordinance creating a $500 civil penalty – in addition to the current criminal offense – for drivers who pass a stopped school bus.
The bill would also require the state Division of Motor Vehicles to refuse to register the vehicle of a perpetrator if the fine goes unpaid.
“This legislation will penalize drivers who endanger the lives of schoolchildren in North Carolina,” said Alexander and McInnis. “It is our sincere hope that this bill will help reduce the number of tragic incidents at bus stops and create a safer environment for students throughout our state.”
