County attorney reminds drivers of new school bus law as students return
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — As students return to classrooms across Warren County, officials are reminding drivers that Kentucky’s new school bus law is now in effect, bringing tougher enforcement and greater accountability for motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.
Warren County Attorney Amy Chandler said protecting children as they get on and off the bus is the priority behind the law.
“We’ve seen a lot of near misses here in Warren County,” Chandler said. “They’re terrifying and very, very serious. We want every driver to know when that school bus stop arm goes out, you must stop.”
House Bill 7, which took effect July 15, expands when drivers must stop for school and church buses. Traffic traveling in both directions must now stop on four-lane roads unless the roadway is separated by a raised barrier or an unpaved median. A center turn lane does not qualify as a divider.
The law also allows school districts to install stop-arm cameras on buses to record vehicles that illegally pass while students are loading or unloading.
If a camera captures a violation, the footage must first be reviewed by law enforcement. Confirmed cases can then be forwarded to the county attorney’s office for prosecution.
Chandler said penalties can include mandatory fines, higher penalties for repeat offenders, possible jail time and increased insurance costs.
“There is a minimum fine, and there’s also possible jail time if you’re charged more than once within a three-year period,” Chandler said. “The charges are enhanced, the fines are enhanced and the jail time is enhanced.”
The law also creates a legal presumption that the registered owner of a vehicle was driving if investigators cannot identify the driver from camera footage.
Chandler said vehicle owners can challenge that presumption by providing evidence that someone else was behind the wheel.
“You have to then put forth evidence to show, ‘I was not driving,’” Chandler said. “Basically, you have to identify who was driving, and then they will be charged.”
Officials also remind drivers they must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. Drivers must remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the bus resumes moving.
Chandler said the goal is not simply to issue citations but to prevent children from being injured while boarding or exiting a school bus.
“The bottom line is when you see a school bus stop arm come out, stop,” she said. “It’s for the protection of the children. The safety of a child is immeasurable.”
