Some districts in Virginia and Maryland have installed cameras aimed at catching drivers who illegally pass school busses as they load and unload students each day. According to a report on WTVR, the photos are then automatically sent to a company who notifies local police. Passing a school bus loading and unloading children is a crime, but there are no clear-cut laws on the legality of this type of technology. If you are facing charges you have illegally passed a school bus, it is important to retain the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
Bus Cameras
According to a press release, one company in Arizona, American Traffic Solutions, monitor their Crossing Guard system. The system is an automated system equipped with high-resolution cameras mounted to both the front and rear of the driver’s side of a school bus. According to the company, when the bus’ arm is extended, the cameras are designed to automatically detect if any vehicle passes the bus within a set safety zone.
Another Australian company uses a similar system and automatically prints citations and mails them to the car’s registered owner. While the idea is admirable, there may very easily be similar issues as have arisen when red light cameras are installed.
In Rockingham County, one of the first districts in Virginia to implement such technology, questions arose whether the citations were legal. After a trial period, the district is stepping back to reevaluate.
New technologies can help in so many ways, but it is important to discuss with an experienced criminal defense attorney any questions surrounding legalities of many new products. It is not uncommon for a company or entity to try a new technology and then deal with legal holes later. If you have received tickets or are accused of breaking the law, especially when monitored by a new technology, you have a right to answers. Call our office today.
