MANCHESTER, N.H.- Governor Kelly Ayotte joined Mayor Jay Ruais and Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel Thursday to discuss the new law which increases the criminal penalties and fines for motorists who illegally pass school buses.
During the event Governor Ayotte spoke on how the law looks to protect the Granite state’s youngest citizens;
” Our kids are our most precious cargo, so we want to make sure they get there safely. You get to school safely; you get home safely.”
Starting January 1st those drivers who pass a bus illegally, will be hit with a $300 fine plus penalty assessment and a mandatory 7-day suspension of their license. Those caught a second time face a Class A misdemeanor, at least a $750 fine, and a loss of their license for at least 30 days. A Third offense results in a $750 fine, at least 15 days in jail, and an indefinite loss of their license for a least a year, and a requirement to complete a driver-safety course.
Under the bill school bus camera footage will be allowed to be submitted as evidence used to identify a vehicle owner or driver; and officials note that a cited vehicle owner can request access to the same footage.
Currently the act of illegally passing a school bus is viewed as a vehicle violation and a $150 fine for the first offense, with no provisions for mandatory jail time or the use of school bus footage.
