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School buses serving the Howard County Public School System are outfitted with external cameras in order to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. State courts have set the fine for illegally passing a school bus at $250. See below to pay a fine or learn more about the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The citation fine is $250 as determined by the District Court of Maryland. The fine amount may be lowered or raised to a maximum of $500 plus court cost at a hearing.
- 2024-2025 school year: 8,285
- 2023-2024 school year: 9,554
- 2022-2023 school year: 9,792
Instructions are listed in the citation. You must submit a hearing request to the Howard County Department of Police, Automated Enforcement, 5-days prior to the payment due date listed on the citation. Your hearing request must be received 5-days prior to the due date (not simply mailed 5-days prior).
The citation has instructions to request a transfer of liability from the vehicle owner to the driver. Please follow the instructions carefully to give yourself the best chance of having your request granted by the court.
You must obtain and provide a copy of the police report that encompasses the date and time of the violation for a dismissal to be considered.
Please see the graphic below for more details. All vehicles in all lanes on a multi-lane roadway must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights unless there is a raised median or curb. If there is a raised median or curb, then only vehicles traveling in the same direction of the bus must stop.
No violation has occurred and a citation will not be issued.
Please call 410-313-7555.