The North Bay Police Service is releasing its latest School Bus Safety Campaign results.
Over the final week of school before the Christmas break, NBPS laid two charges of Fail to Stop for School Bus, contrary to Section 175 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. The charge carries a minimum $490 fine for first-time violators and six demerit points upon conviction. A conviction can also lead to higher insurance rates.
Even if the driver is not identified, the vehicle’s registered owner can still be charged with the same fine. If a driver is convicted a second time within five years, the penalty increases to between $1,000 and $4,000, plus a victim surcharge, court costs, and six demerit points. Repeat offenders risk being jailed for up to six months. If fines are not paid, your driver's licence can be suspended and you will not be able to renew your vehicle permit.
By law, drivers must stop for school buses when their red signal lights are flashing. Drivers must stop for a stopped school bus regardless of which direction they are travelling when they are on a road without a median. Drivers behind a school bus must stop at least 20 metres back. Many school buses are now equipped with video surveillance to aid police investigations.
“Throughout the week of December 16 to 20, 2024, I am happy to report that I observed excellent compliance with the law among motorists in North Bay,” said Cst. Douglas MacIntosh, the North Bay Police Service’s traffic enforcement officer. “On the same day that we launched our campaign, a seven-year-old student in London, Ont., was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle when getting off his bus. This highlights the importance of following these simple rules of the road.
"I hope the two individuals that we caught passing stopped school buses will learn an important lesson and drive carefully and safely from now on. A larger school bus safety campaign is coming and drivers will not be given advance notice. Please remain alert.”
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