Atlanta, Georgia, August 4, 2025
News Summary
In Georgia, lawmakers are considering legislation to reduce fines for drivers passing stopped school buses, responding to public concern over hefty penalties. The new proposal suggests lowering fines from $1,000 to $300 for the first offense, while introducing new exterior cameras on buses for enhanced safety. This initiative follows incidents highlighting the dangers of such violations, including the tragic death of a child. Despite the revenue boost from violations, there is ongoing debate over balancing safety and financial burdens on families.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at reducing fines for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, a practice that poses a significant risk to student safety. Currently, the fine for this violation can reach up to $1,000, ranking among the highest in the nation. This proposed legislation would lower the fines to $300 for the first offense, $500 for a second offense, and maintain the higher amount for subsequent violations.
The initiative comes in response to public feedback regarding the hefty fines associated with passing a stopped school bus. State Representative Don Parsons, who is sponsoring the bill, has received multiple complaints about the financial burden imposed by the current penalties, particularly during times of economic strain when many families struggle to afford living expenses.
In line with stricter enforcement measures, Atlanta Public Schools plans to introduce new exterior cameras on all buses starting in the 2025-26 school year. These cameras will be strategically located near the wheel wells to capture footage of vehicles that fail to stop when a school bus has its “STOP” arm extended. The use of such technology aims to enhance the safety of children as they board and disembark their school buses.
The urgency for heightened enforcement arose after the tragic incident in 2024, when eight-year-old Adalynn Pierce was killed by a driver while attempting to board her bus. This incident led to the introduction of Addy’s Law, named in her memory, which prompted an increase in the severity of fines to deter similar occurrences in the future.
Since the law’s implementation, revenue from school bus cameras in Atlanta Public Schools has skyrocketed. In 2023, the revenue collected was $170,000; by the following year, it surged to $415,000. This revenue boost illustrates the frequency of violations, as over 9,000 were recorded in just one day earlier this year in Georgia.
However, these fines have triggered varying public reactions. Some drivers, like resident Betsy Johnson, expressed shock upon receiving a $1,000 citation for passing a school bus, which she believed was an error as she perceived her distance to be safe due to road construction. After initially considering contesting her ticket, she opted for a plea deal, paying $500. Such experiences indicate that many citizens are unaware of Georgia’s stringent laws compared to neighboring states, where some regulations may allow for more leniency.
The ongoing legislative discussions surrounding Parsons’ proposal reflect a delicate balance between ensuring child safety and addressing public concern over excessive financial penalties. A committee has yet to move the bill forward, leading Parsons to plan amendments to set a flat fine of $500 instead.
According to recent data, an alarming trend emerges, with more than 354 drivers facing an inability to renew their vehicle registrations due to unpaid fines associated with school bus camera violations. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenges posed by existing legislation aimed at safeguarding children, juxtaposed against the financial implications for families.
The push for adjustments in the fine structure unfolds amid a wider context, as Georgia is one of over two dozen states that have enacted stop-arm camera laws designed to prevent drivers from bypassing stopped school buses. Nationwide, an estimated 43.5 million vehicles engage in this dangerous behavior each year, emphasizing the need for continued discussions on how to make streets safer for students.
FAQ
What is the current fine for passing a stopped school bus in Georgia?
The current fine is up to $1,000.
What are the proposed fines under the new legislation?
The proposed fines would be $300 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
When will the new exterior cameras be installed on Atlanta school buses?
The new cameras are expected to be installed for the 2025-26 school year.
Why was there an increase in fines for passing school buses?
The increase was prompted by incidents such as the tragic death of eight-year-old Adalynn Pierce, leading to the enactment of Addy’s Law.
How many school traffic violations were recorded in Georgia on a single day?
Over 9,000 school traffic violations were recorded in one day earlier this year.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: New Cameras for School Bus Enforcement
- Wikipedia: Traffic Violation
- Atlanta News First: Lowering School Bus Camera Fines
- Google Search: School Bus Camera Enforcement Georgia
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Illegal School Bus Violations in Georgia
- Google Scholar: School Bus Legislation Georgia
- The Capitolist: Polk County School Bus Camera Contract
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation Safety
- Axios: MARTA Bus Camera Enforcement
- Google News: Bus Safety Legislation Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
