Maryland Cracks Down on Stop-arm Runners

PIKESVILLE, Md. – An infusion of funding for law enforcement agencies throughout Maryland will aid efforts to keep kids safe as they travel to and from school.

State and local police departments will share grants totaling $522,000 for enforcing school bus safety laws. The funding comes from the School Bus Enforcement Fund, which was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2000.

Police officers will work overtime on special school bus patrols, watching particularly for motorists who pass buses that are loading or unloading students. An additional $28,000 will be distributed among agencies in areas with the highest numbers of stop-arm violations.

Stop-arm runners can be fined $570 and given three points on their driver record.

“It is the responsibility of every driver to exercise caution, especially when children are involved,” said Col. Terrence Sheridan, superintendent of the Maryland State Police. “Motorists should be prepared to stop quickly while driving anywhere near a school bus.”

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