HARRISBURG – Reforms to the Pennsylvania Automated School Bus Stop Signal Arm Enforcement program proposed by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) passed the Senate today as part of Senate Bill 1262, which also increases penalties for drivers who get behind the wheel of a school bus while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The bill passed by a vote of 45-5.
“There’s been a lot of media coverage about this issue and I’ve talked with hundreds of constituents about the errors and inconsistencies with school bus safety arm enforcement,” Coleman said. “Pennsylvania motorists who haven’t violated the law because of incorrect bus driver practices shouldn’t be getting $300 citations they need to appeal and then wait months or longer for a decision.”
Under state law, school bus operators must activate amber warning lights 150 to 300 feet before activating red lights and a stop arm to ensure motorists have adequate warning and distance to stop safely. However, current law does not require automated cameras or reviewing entities to verify whether the bus driver complied with the required signaling procedures before a citation is issued to a motorist, resulting in many improperly issued citations.
Statewide, approximately 40% of appealed citations are dismissed, and there were more than 16,000 appeals pending as of early 2026.
Senate Bill 1262, with Coleman’s unanimously agreed-to amendment, would require side stop signal arm enforcement systems used by schools be approved by PennDOT and that any approved system verifies a school bus driver used the amber and red signals in accordance with state law so erroneous citations are not issued.
“My amendment makes a simple and important change to the existing law and spells out explicitly that the automated enforcement system must be able to verify that the bus driver in fact complied with the required signaling procedures before a citation is issued. Government needs to follow its own rules before fining the public,” Coleman said.
Senate Bill 1262 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
All legislation introduced by Coleman can be viewed here.