Repeat scofflaws who zoom through school bus stop signs could face stiffer penalties under a bill the state Senate passed last week.
The legislation calls for a 60-day license suspension for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus more than twice within 10 years.
“It’s bad enough that a driver passes a stopped school bus once, but to do it twice is unacceptable,” said upstate Sen. John Bonacic, who penned the law. “This bill is intended to make our roads safer for our school children.”
Committing the crime twice within three years is currently punishable by up to $750 and 180 days in jail. But only the monetary fine — up to $1,000 — increases for each new offense after that.
The new law, in line with citywide “Vision Zero” strides to reduce pedestrian fatalities, would temporarily yank dangerous drivers from the wheel.
“Drivers who are reckless with their lives and the lives of others, particularly with the lives of children, must be punished and taken off the roads,” Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky said.
The bill now awaits movement by the state Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
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