Hillsborough County drivers are facing strict consequences for illegally passing stopped school buses with flashing lights. The county installed cameras on buses to capture violations, issuing over 13,000 tickets since the grace period ended in mid-September. Previously, 10,000 warning tickets were given. Most violations occur between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, when middle school students are being dropped off. Each ticket costs $225 and is issued only after video review by the bus camera vendor and a Hillsborough County deputy. Videos have shown cars speeding past buses and coming dangerously close to children. Transportation Manager Lara Hill emphasized the dangers of such actions and hopes the tickets will raise awareness of the law and its importance in keeping students safe.
