Montgomery County Police issued 269 citations to drivers who illegally passed stopped school buses during the first week of the 2026-2027 school year.
Although the number of stop-arm violations decreased last school year, thousands of drivers continued to pass buses while their red lights were flashing and stop arms were extended.
During the 2025-2026 school year, 40,854 citations were issued for illegally passing stopped school buses, an average of 0.19 citations per bus per day. The total was a 19.1% decrease from the previous school year.
The three locations with the most violations were:
- 5100 block of River Rd in Bethesda
- 8800 block of Colesville Rd in Silver Spring
- 7100 block of Arlington Rd in Bethesda
Police officers are proactively patrolling school zones throughout Montgomery County for drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, speed, drive distracted or engage in other dangerous behavior near schools.
Drivers captured by an automated school bus camera can receive a $250 citation. Those stopped by a police officer may face a fine of up to $570 and three points on their driving record.
