'Pay attention': Law enforcement warn drivers ahead of new Missouri school bus penalties

KANSAS CITY, Mo — KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.

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A new Missouri law taking effect August 28 will significantly increase penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses — just days after many students in the Northland return to the classroom.

Under the new law, a first offense will carry a fine of $500, plus five points on the driver's license. That's up from the previous minimum fine of about $130. Repeat offenders face fines as high as $3,000.

Steve Silvestri

The rule itself hasn't changed.

"Anytime that a school bus is stopped with their red lights illuminated, their stop arm out, it is required by law that vehicles also stop," Justin Howard with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

Drivers don't have to be caught in the act by a trooper to face consequences. Howard said law enforcement can investigate reports of violations, including reviewing video footage from school districts.

"We'll take appropriate action, watch video, you know, contact anybody, any witnesses, any of that nature," Howard said.

Platte County R-3 Schools

Video from Platte County R-3 showing how often drivers were passing stopped school buses first brought attention to the issue last fall. That coverage caught the attention of state Representative Mike Jones, who pushed for tougher penalties. The effort made it through the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe this summer.

JT Thomas transportation director for the Platte County R-3 Schools said he hopes the stiffer fines will change driver behavior.

Steve Silvestri

"I'm hoping that this bill will help people be more aware, more conscious, and not wanting to pay their extra money," Thomas said.

For school leaders, the goal isn't more tickets — it's preventing injuries.

"I mentioned these school buses are transporting our precious cargo to and from school, and so whatever we can do to protect the well-being of those children, we should do so," one school official said.

"We need to do whatever we can to uphold that safety for those students," another school official said.

The new law will be enforced throughout the state of Missouri.

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