School Bus Stop Arm Safety Program

Much like an intersection with a stop light, school buses have yellow (amber) flashing lights on the top of the bus. These lights will activate to warn motorists the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off passengers. When the yellow lights are flashing, you should be prepared to stop. Virginia Code 46.2-1090 governs the use of lights on school buses.

A bus stop can be anywhere as deemed necessary by the experts at School Transportation. This can include day cares, hotels/motels, stores, parking lots, intersections, and, most commonly, amongst neighborhoods. 

A school bus may operate at any time, even on a non-school day, and motorists are required to stop. Generally, buses run Monday-Friday, from about 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., depending upon age of students, after school activities, and other factors. This does not mean you cannot receive a violation that does not occur within this time range. 

A full listing of schools can be found on the Chesapeake Public Schools website.

While not contracted with the City of Chesapeake Public Schools, private school buses may have cameras and you could receive a violation for passing them, as all buses fall under the 46.2-844 and 74-196 laws. 

Citations are reviewed within 10 days of the violation and mailed to your registered address. If mail is returned to the Police Department as undelivered, we will note that in your file. On the 31st day after mailing, you will have a second notice mailed to your house. Your court date will be listed after this 31st day, and before the 61st day. If you have not addressed the citation prior to the 61st day, a late fee will be assessed.

Please see the Questions and Answers below

Yes, this program is under the control of the Chesapeake Public Schools, Police Department, and the vendor, BusPatrol America, LLC. Mailings may be received from Boston, MA, Lorton, VA, or Newington, VA, the Headquarters of BusPatrol America, LLC. When in doubt, please contact Sgt. Byrd at stoparm@cityofchesapeake.net to confirm.

Visit this School Bus Safety Program website and enter your CH-xxxxxxx citation number, license plate and complete the captcha requirements if required to view the same videos and photos that the reviewing officer saw. Enter the data exactly as it shows on the violation notice (i.e. if your license plate is ABC-1234, it may need to be entered as ABC1234 or ABC-1234).

The fine is a civil penalty of $250. If you appeal (see more on appeals below) and are found liable, you may be required to provide payment of court costs and incur DMV demerit points for a moving violation. Based on the present Virginia Law, the judge cannot reduce the $250 fine based upon a driving school or a favorable driving record.