Stronger penalties in effect for not stopping for school buses

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           New Indiana laws are focusing on increasing safety for school children. The state now has harsher punishment for drivers who don’t stop for school buses.

        Drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If someone is injured because of not obeying school bus signals and signs, the offense rises to a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to two-and-a-half years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

State transportation experts say nearly 2,500 drivers ignore the law requiring them to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children. Now, Hoosiers face having their licenses suspended for 90 days if they refuse to stop.

The Max Strong Bill was enacted into law this year, following the deaths of three children in Fulton County who were hit by a speeding car last year. The bill also requires stop arm cameras, specific road crossing rules and violations could lead to misdemeanor charges.