Lee County Schools Introduce New Bus Stop-Arm Camera Technology to Enhance Student Safety
Fort Myers, FL – July 31, 2025 — As the new school year approaches in less than two weeks, the School District of Lee County is deploying new technology aimed at improving safety for students during their daily bus rides. Partnering with BusPatrol, a company specializing in school bus safety solutions, the district will equip its fleet of approximately 900 school buses with cameras mounted on the stop-arms.
How the Technology Works
Passing a stopped school bus when its stop-arm is extended is already prohibited by law. The newly installed cameras will capture photographic evidence of vehicles illegally passing the buses by photographing the license plates of offenders. This footage will then be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for review. Following verification, violators will receive a citation with a fine of $225. This enforcement method is authorized under new legislation signed into law in Florida in May 2023. The Lee County School Board formally approved the integration of these cameras on July 29, 2025. Addressing a Widespread Safety Concern
According to a survey conducted by the Florida Department of Education, illegal passing of school buses remains a significant issue in Lee County:
- In 2024, bus drivers reported an average of 912 daily incidents of vehicles passing buses illegally.
- For the years 2022 and 2023, reported incidents exceeded 800 daily.
This data underscores the importance of enhancing enforcement measures to protect children boarding and exiting school buses.
Public Awareness Campaign and Enforcement Timeline
Prior to issuing citations, the school district is required to conduct a 30-day public safety campaign to inform the community about the new enforcement tools and regulations. This outreach effort will precede the activation of ticketing, anticipated to begin by the end of August 2025. Parents and drivers are urged to exercise caution around school buses and adhere strictly to stop-arm laws to ensure children’s safety and avoid costly fines.
Stay Informed
Lee County residents can stay updated on this initiative, along with other local news and alerts, by downloading the free Gulf Coast News app. Additionally, the Very Local Gulf Coast app provides streaming access to news, entertainment, and original programming.
Reporter: Kennedy Mason, Gulf Coast News
For more information, visit Lee County Schools’ official website or contact the school district’s transportation department.
