Local police departments prepare to enforce new Kentucky school bus safety law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky is pushing to increase school bus safety ahead of the new school year, and local Louisville police departments have a new law to enforce.

Jefferson County Public Schools students head back to the classroom next Thursday, and police officers around the city are preparing for increased traffic with school buses and parents driving their kids to school.

But this school year, there's a new law in place to keep school bus riders safer.

Under House Bill 7, drivers are now required to stop any time a school or church bus has its signal lights on and its stop-arm out on most roadways.

This includes highways and four-lane roadways with a middle turning lane.

The only exception is when a stopped bus is on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes divided by an elevated barrier or unpaved median.

"I think any law we come up with that might save a child from getting injured or killed is obviously a good law," said St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson.

Wilkerson added they won't be increasing patrols for the new law, but his officers are aware of it and will be on high alert come next Thursday.

"They are aware of what is going on, they will enforce that appropriately, it's their discretion to do what they wish," Wilkerson said.

With this being the first year of the new law, he said officers will start off more lenient as drivers get used to it.

"I think they would have to look at how egregious was it, was it somebody pulling around somebody to pass or did they just not stop because they didn't realize," Wilkerson said.

The law also allows school districts to put cameras on buses to enforce stop-arm violations. The camera can record a car's license plate as well as the time, date and location of the violation.

Wilkerson said the goal is to keep kids safe.

"It's not to punish people, it's actually to change their behavior and look at their driving," he said. "It's not worth getting someone hurt."

Drivers who illegally pass a school bus with a stop-arm out can get a $300 fine for the first offense. It's $500 for any additional violations within three years.

Police would review the camera footage, confirm a violation and contact the driver, who would have 60 days to appeal.

In a statement, LMPD wanted to remind drivers of this ahead of the new school year:

"LMPD is reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and allow extra time as students return to school. With more buses, students, parents, and school staff on the road, our officers and traffic guards will be focused on keeping our community safe. We also encourage drivers to familiarize themselves with Kentucky's updated school bus safety law, which enhances penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Most importantly, we ask drivers to be patient during the first weeks of school and to remain attentive behind the wheel. Taking a few extra minutes can help ensure every student gets to and from school safely."