Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is increasing surveillance of motorists passing a stopped school bus picking up or unloading students.
He said deputies are reporting numerous school bus violations, especially on Midway Boulevard in Port Charlotte. The CCSO Traffic Unit, in marked and unmarked vehicles, has increased its enforcement looking for school bus law violators. Fines are $161 plus four points on the driver's record.
Motorists approaching an oncoming school bus on a divided highway with at least a 5-foot median should slow down but do not have to stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights on.
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If there is no median in the roadway, motorists are required by law to stop. Motorists following any school bus must stop when the red flashers are on and stop signs are extended.
