SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lawmakers, District Seek to Install Stop-Arm Cameras on School Buses

Lawmakers in Nashville, Tennessee, and officials from Rockaway (N.J.) Township School District are working to install stop-arm cameras on school buses as a way to crack down on illegal school bus passing incidents.

Sadiah Thompson
Sadiah ThompsonAssistant Editor
February 19, 2019
2 min to read


ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. and NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Lawmakers in Tennessee and a school district in New Jersey are working to install stop-arm cameras on school buses as a way to capture motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses.

State representative Jason Hodges introduced a new bill that would allow schools to add cameras on school buses as a way to catch motorists that drive past stopped school buses, News Channel 5 reports.

Ad Loading...

Hodges, who is co-sponsoring HB0268, told the news source that illegal school bus passing is a problem for many school districts in Nashville, Tennessee, and that the bill would allow schools to make the decision on whether to install the cameras on buses and how many.

If the cameras capture motorists in the act, the footage would then be turned over to local police, and the money from the fine would go back to the school, partly to help pay for the camera equipment, according to News Channel 5.

The bill has currently been assigned to the House Safety and Funding Subcommittee, according to the state’s general assembly website.

Meanwhile, officials from Rockaway Township School District told Morristown Daily Record that the district approved the stop-arm cameras to address the ongoing issue of distracted motorists that drive pass stopped school buses with their red lights flashing. Once the cameras are installed, they will be able to record vehicles that fail to stop for buses, and police will be able to use that information to mail out a summons, according to the news source.

Councilman Jack Quinn told Morristown Daily Record that the school board is working with the Rockaway Township Police Department and the city’s administration to install the cameras. James McLaughlin, the superintendent for the district, added that he anticipates there will be several locations that the district will focus on, and they will use input from bus drivers to determine which buses will be equipped with cameras first.

Ad Loading...

In the meantime, Martin McParland, the police chief for Rockaway Township Police Department, and McLaughlin told the news source that they are encouraging bus drivers to take note of license plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles. McParland added that they are also urging bus drivers to sign the proper complaints for identifying offending vehicles. The buses with cameras are expected to be on the road in April, Morristown Daily Record reports.

More Safety

A blue and white graphic with text reading "2026 Safety & Operations Report" with an image of the cover of the report.
Safetyby StaffMay 4, 2026

Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes

The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026

Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
A close-up view of the top of a yellow school bus with “School Bus” signage and red lights, overlaid with a cracked-glass effect. Text on the image reads, “Multi-Vehicle Crash in TN Takes 2 Lives” and “March 27, 2026,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 17, 2026

2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck

A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.

Read More →
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of Wisconsin political figures by a table and text reading "Legislative Roundup April 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades

From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 9, 2026

Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.

Read More →
Children cross in front of a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended while a nearby vehicle waits, illustrating school zone safety and risks of illegal passing.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 9, 2026

Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders

Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.

Read More →
Graphic featuring a headshot of Michael Graham, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wearing a dark suit and red tie against an orange gradient background, with “Leadership Update” and School Bus Fleet branding on the left.
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety

A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic with bold yellow background and red headline reading “A Split Second from Disaster,” alongside a photo of a freight train traveling down railroad tracks. Subtext reads, “What one incident reminds us about railroad crossing safety,” with School Bus Fleet branding at the bottom.
Safetyby Amanda HuggettApril 7, 2026

'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders

Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.

Read More →