City of Rochester Extends Warning Period For School Bus Safety Program

The City of Rochester School Bus Safety program warning period has been extended, and now will end on Tues., Jan. 20, 2026. The program, which kicked off in the city on Nov. 3, uses automated camera technology to capture high-definition video and still images of cars that illegally pass yellow school buses that have extended stop signs and flashing red lights.

During the first seven weeks of the warning period, which was originally slated to end on Jan. 5, more than 10,000 video clips of motorists have been reviewed and just under 4,000 warnings have been mailed. The program is currently working through more than 5,000 additional video clips that need to be reviewed by local trained personnel. The extension will ensure warning letters are distributed to all motorists, and the team managing the workload is fully staffed.

“This extension gives drivers the opportunity to change their behavior before financial penalties take effect,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “For the sake of our children, bus drivers, and crossing guards, slow down, give them some space, and follow the law.”

Once full enforcement begins on January 20, 2026, fines will be:

• $250 for a first offense

• $275 for a second offense

• $300 for a third or subsequent offenses

The program supports the City's Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It is a self-sustaining partnership between the City, Monroe County, BusPatrol America LLC, and the Rochester City School District, to manage cameras on about 800 RCSD buses.

For more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/schoolbussafety.