About

School buses serving the Howard County Public School System are outfitted with external cameras in order to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. State courts have set the fine for illegally passing a school bus at $250. See below to pay a fine or learn more about the program. 

External bus camera

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the fine?

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The citation fine is $250 as determined by the District Court of Maryland. The fine amount may be lowered or raised to a maximum of $500 plus court cost at a hearing.

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How many external bus camera citations have Howard County issued in recent years?

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  • April  - December 2021 = 8,762 (in addition to 444 warning notices) 
  • January - December 2022 = 10,668
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How do I contest the citation or how do I schedule a hearing?

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Instructions are listed in the citation. You must submit a hearing request to the Howard County Department of Police, Automated Enforcement, 5-days prior to the payment due date listed on the citation. Your hearing request must be received 5-days prior to the due date (not simply mailed 5-days prior).

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What if I was not driving? How can I transfer the citation to the driver?

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The citation has instructions to request a transfer of liability from the vehicle owner to the driver. Please follow the instructions carefully to give yourself the best chance of having your request granted by the court.

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What if my license plate or vehicle was stolen at the time?

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You must obtain and provide a copy of the police report that encompasses the date and time of the violation for a dismissal to be considered.

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What if I am on a highway or multi-lane roadway?

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Please see the graphic below for more details. All vehicles in all lanes on a multi-lane roadway must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights unless there is a raised median or curb. If there is a raised median or curb, then only vehicles traveling in the same direction of the bus must stop.

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Directions for who has to stop for a bus depending on the road type
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What if the bus is not in the roadway or is pulled off to the shoulder?

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No violation has occurred and a citation will not be issued. 

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What if I lost my citation or don't know the citation number?

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Please call 410-313-7555.

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