Dearborn school bus safety program to begin enforcement next week

Published Jan. 15, 2026

The City of Dearborn is reminding motorists that enforcement of the City’s School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Program with BusPatrol will begin Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Dearborn is the first community in Michigan to implement a district-wide school bus stop-arm safety program under state law.

Beginning next week, drivers who fail to stop for a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended will be issued a $250 civil infraction for a first offense and a $500 civil infraction for subsequent offenses within one year.

The program was announced by the City in December as part of an effort to improve traffic safety and protect students traveling to and from school. The full announcement is available to view on the City of Dearborn’s official YouTube page.

Potential violations captured through the program are reviewed by the Dearborn Police Department prior to a citation being issued to the registered vehicle owner.

Under Michigan law, motorists are required to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers must remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion or the visual signals are no longer activated.

Additional information about the School Bus Stop-Arm Safety Program, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available at: DearbornSchools.org/Dearborn-School-Bus-Safety-Program.
 

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