Starting Monday, Miami-Dade County will revive its program for fining drivers who pass stopped school buses, using camera detection systems that had been paused for a year due to significant errors in citations. Some drivers had been incorrectly fined despite following the law.
The county authorities, alongside BusPatrol, the company managing the system, announced the relaunch on Friday, as reported by Telemundo.
The program will resume on May 4, initiating with a 14-day warning period where no financial penalties will be imposed. The $225 fines will come into effect starting May 18.
County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz suspended the program in April 2025, labeling the mistakes as "unacceptable." Errors included citations listing the incorrect amount of $225 instead of the accurate $344, leading to unpaid balances that automatically triggered driver's license suspensions.
A Miami-Dade judge nullified 5,400 violations from the previous program, and all pending fines were dismissed as part of this relaunch.
In October 2025, Miami considered reactivating the controversial fine program with virtual hearings to address about 8,600 outstanding disputes. Earlier, in March of that year, Miami-Dade had partially halted fines related to lane divider violations.
Enhanced Features of the Relaunched Program
Authorities emphasize significant improvements over the original setup. Steve Randazzo from BusPatrol explained, "Only video evidence of potential violations that meet the sheriff's office criteria will be sent and independently assessed... plus, there will be an appeal system. Every citation complaint will have the chance to be heard in a hearing."
The technology has also seen an upgrade. Randazzo detailed that the system, linked to an AI-operated main camera, is 30% more accurate than a human and can identify reckless drivers across eight lanes of traffic.
Approximately 900 district school buses are now equipped with a system featuring four interior and five exterior cameras. Vehicle license plate information is recorded when the bus activates its flashing lights and stop signal.
Drivers issued a fine will have 60 days to either pay or contest it in court. Additionally, a public assistance hotline has been established.
According to officials, Florida records more than 8,000 daily violations by drivers passing stopped school buses. Nationally, it's estimated that 40 million drivers in the United States commit this offense annually, endangering children as they board or exit the bus.
Understanding Miami-Dade's School Bus Camera Program
Why was the school bus camera program suspended in Miami-Dade?
The program was suspended due to significant errors in citations, including incorrect fine amounts, which led to unintended driver's license suspensions.
What improvements have been made to the program?
Improvements include a more accurate AI-operated camera system, independent assessment of potential violations, and an appeal system for citation complaints.
How many school buses are equipped with the new camera system?
About 900 school buses in the district are now equipped with a system of four interior and five exterior cameras.