Connecticut school bus camera enforcement

Connecticut municipalities, including New Haven, Bridgeport, and Vernon, have implemented AI-powered camera systems on school buses to identify drivers who illegally pass vehicles with flashing lights and extended stop arms. The initiative follows reports from the Connecticut Department of Transportation regarding 12 deaths and 23 serious injuries involving school buses over a six-year period.

In New Haven, the partnership between the city, contractor First Student, and camera operator BusPatrol has resulted in over 12,000 citations issued from more than 300 buses. Data shows that violations increased by 4,000 during the summer months, despite the absence of regular school sessions. Of the total citations, 5,630 have been paid, while 1,308 are awaiting appeal hearings.

Under state law, first-time violations carry a $250 fine. In New Haven, the city pays $225 per bus monthly to BusPatrol, while the operator receives $55 per paid citation, with revenue designated for city public safety funding. In Vernon, nearly 100 drivers were cited within the first three days of the program's rollout.