Sudbury driver fined $490 for passing stopped school bus

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Sudbury driver fined $490 for passing school bus

Sudbury driver passes school bus with red lights flashing

A driver in Greater Sudbury, Ont., has been fined after passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing, prompting a police reminder about the law.

The incident occurred in the community of Val Caron on Monday at about 8:40 a.m. Officers with the Greater Sudbury Police Service were at the scene monitoring a morning bus pickup location when a white vehicle failed to stop for the bus, which had its overhead red-signal lights activated.

“This driver earned a $490 ticket,” said the police service in a social media post on Tuesday.

$490 fine the minimum

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers must stop at least 20 metres behind a stopped school bus with its overhead red-signal lights flashing or stop arm extended.

The minimum penalty for a first offence is a $490 fine, along with six demerit points and higher insurance premiums.

Subsequent convictions can result in fines up to $4,000 and jail time of up to six months.

Police issue public reminder

In the wake of the violation, Sudbury police reiterate the rules of the road.

“Apparently, some drivers are still not getting the message,” police said.

“You must stop for a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended or red lights flashing - in all directions.”

The service concluded its post with a simple plea: “Stop for the school buses.”

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