Getting caught passing a stopped school bus could get costlier.
Already yielding a $167 fine and three demerit points, the penalty is being reviewed, B.C. Transportation Minister Todd Stone said Wednesday, adding he's heard from school bus drivers, trustees and parents that it's not enough to deter drivers.
"Ministry staff have begun discussions with stakeholders, including the police, and we can expect changes to be in place before the end of the school year," Stone said in a press release.
Between 2009 and 2014, police issued 1,100 tickets for failing to stop for a school bus. No child died while getting on or off a school bus, but 14 children were injured.
Drivers are prohibited from passing by a school bus that is displaying red alternating lights - and that counts for drivers heading in either direction along the road.
They must stop and wait for the children to be picked up or dropped off and can start moving again only once the signal lights are no longer flashing.
The fine for exceeding the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones, which is in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all school days, starts at $196 and rises significantly with the driver's speed. And if someone gets hurt, criminal charges will likely follow.
Failing to obey a crossing guard yields a $167 fine.
