The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has awarded $1.3 million in its eighth and final round of Stop Arm Camera grants. The funding will go to 18 school districts and transportation companies to increase enforcement against drivers who fail to stop for school buses.

Final Round of Grants

The grants will reimburse schools and contractors for the purchase and installation of stop arm camera systems. Since the program began in 2022, OTS has awarded more than $15 million in state-funded grants, equipping about 8,000 school buses statewide with cameras.

“With nearly 10,000 school bus trips daily in Minnesota, stop arm violations put children at risk,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “These cameras will help hold drivers accountable and keep students safe.”

Local officials welcomed the latest round of funding.

“The safety of our students is our top priority, and these cameras will help ensure drivers stop when students are boarding and unloading,” said Tom Jerome, superintendent of the Roseau school district, where 13 buses will receive cameras.

Christine Tucci-Osorio, superintendent of ISD 622 (North St. Paul, Maplewood, and Oakdale), added: “The cameras provide an extra layer of security and reinforce the importance of stopping for school buses.”

Enforcement Results

The use of stop arm cameras has already led to 2,105 citations for violations in 2024, according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch District Court Criminal Charges data tool. Between 2020 and 2024, Hennepin County recorded the most stop arm citations at 1,918, followed by Wright (365), Dakota (307), Blue Earth (297), and Washington (238).

Safety Reminders for Motorists

• On undivided roads, motorists traveling in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended.

• Traffic traveling the opposite direction on a divided roadway with a separating median is not required to stop.

• Drivers face a $500 fine for violations, and may face criminal charges if passing a bus on the right, passing when a child is present, or if a child is injured or killed.

• Motorists are urged to slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch for buses and children, especially near schools.

Safety Reminders for Students

• Look carefully before crossing after getting off the bus.

• Wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing.

• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.