An Ontario Provincial Police officer conducting a targeted school bus patrol on Tuesday witnessed and immediately fined a driver for illegally passing a stopped school bus with its lights activated. The incident, which occurred in Northern Ontario, resulted in a $490 fine for the motorist who failed to stop as required by law.
OPP Officer Catches Violation During Routine Patrol
OPP Constable Joel Eppinghaus was specifically monitoring school bus routes when he observed the vehicle passing the stopped bus. School buses in Ontario are equipped with flashing red lights and a stop sign arm that extends when children are boarding or disembarking. The law requires all traffic in both directions to stop until the bus retracts its stop sign and turns off its flashing lights.
"Please Do Better" Message from Police
The OPP used this incident to reinforce their public safety message, urging drivers to exercise greater caution around school buses. "Please do better," authorities stated, emphasizing that such violations endanger children who may be crossing the road. This enforcement action is part of broader OPP initiatives to protect students during their daily commutes.
Significant Penalties for School Bus Passing Violations
In Ontario, penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus are severe. First-time offenders face fines ranging from $400 to $2,000 and receive six demerit points on their driving record. Subsequent convictions can lead to higher fines, possible jail time up to six months, and license suspension. The $490 fine issued in this case reflects the standard penalty for such infractions.
Ongoing Safety Concerns and Enforcement
Police agencies across Ontario regularly conduct school bus patrols, especially during morning and afternoon hours when children are traveling to and from school. Despite public awareness campaigns, violations continue to occur, prompting increased enforcement. The OPP reminds drivers that school bus safety is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance from all road users.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral obligations drivers have when approaching school buses. With children's lives at stake, authorities stress that there is no excuse for failing to stop when buses display their warning signals.
