Duval Schools to Install Cameras on Buses, Drivers Face $225 Fines

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Duval County Public Schools is rolling out a new camera system on over 900 school buses to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses. Starting May 1, drivers caught on camera will face $225 citations mailed to the registered vehicle owner. The district is partnering with tech company BusPatrol America, which uses AI-powered cameras to detect violations from up to 8 lanes away. While the district says the program won't cost them any money, there are concerns about the revenue-sharing model and previous issues Jacksonville has faced with traffic enforcement cameras.

Why it matters

Illegally passing stopped school buses is a major safety issue, with thousands of incidents reported statewide each year. The new camera system aims to improve student safety and reduce dangerous driving behaviors around school buses, though the revenue-sharing model and past problems with traffic cameras in Jacksonville raise questions about the program's true motivations.

The details

The new Stop-Arm Camera Violation Program will use BusPatrol's AI-powered cameras to automatically detect and record drivers who pass stopped school buses with their stop arms extended. Video footage of violations will be reviewed by law enforcement before citations are issued to the registered vehicle owners. Drivers can contest the citations through a hearing process. The district says the program won't cost them any money, likely meaning BusPatrol will recoup their camera installation costs and split ongoing revenue from the citations.

• The new camera system will go into effect on May 1, 2026.
• A public awareness campaign will run in April 2026 before the cameras are activated.

What’s next

The school district will start a public awareness campaign in April 2026 to inform drivers about the new camera system before it goes into effect on May 1.