Immediate Suspension of School Bus Camera Citation Program

Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz announced Thursday the immediate suspension of the county’s school bus camera citation program after officials uncovered significant errors in the fines listed on tickets issued through the initiative.

Standing alongside Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Juan Fernandez-Barquin and Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie, Cordero-Stutz said the decision was made after a thorough review revealed that Uniform Traffic Citations (UTCs) sent to drivers by the vendor, BusPatrol, contained incorrect penalty amounts and citation numbers, creating confusion and placing some drivers at risk of license suspension.

“The integrity of how we enforce our laws must never be undermined,” Cordero-Stutz said during the announcement. “Effective immediately, we are suspending the BusPatrol citation program, and no additional citations will be issued from today forward.”

Background and Issues with the Program

The camera program, launched last year in partnership with Miami-Dade Public Schools and BusPatrol, was designed to catch drivers illegally passing stopped school buses. But issues surfaced when drivers who ignored the initial $225 Notices of Violation (NOVs) were issued UTCs that incorrectly listed the fine as $225 instead of the correct amount of $344.

“That $119 discrepancy could result in unpaid balances and lead to these individuals having their licenses suspended,” said Fernandez-Barquin. He noted that his office often couldn’t find the improperly cited tickets when drivers attempted to pay them.

As part of corrective actions, Fernandez-Barquin’s office has withdrawn “D6 notifications” — legal steps that would have triggered license suspensions — for drivers affected by the flawed UTCs.

Previous Suspension and Current Status

Cordero-Stutz had previously suspended part of the program in March for violations related specifically to drivers illegally crossing road medians. Thursday’s move halts the entire BusPatrol ticketing program.

“There’s no one who doesn’t want our children to be safe, but in that process, it has to be done right,” Cordero-Stutz emphasized. “These errors fall below our standards and risk undermining public trust.”

Guidance for Affected Residents

While the program is suspended, residents with citations dated before April 17 are still being urged to comply with the listed penalties unless otherwise advised. Those who have already paid and are concerned about the validity of their ticket are encouraged to consult with legal counsel to understand their options.

Conclusion

The suspension of the school bus camera citation program is a significant step in addressing the errors and inconsistencies that have arisen. The authorities’ commitment to ensuring the integrity of the program and protecting the public’s trust is evident in their decision to suspend the program until further notice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: The program has been suspended immediately due to significant errors in the fines listed on tickets.

Q: What should I do if I have already received a citation?

A: If you have a citation dated before April 17, you are still urged to comply with the listed penalties unless otherwise advised. If you have already paid and are concerned about the validity of your ticket, consult with legal counsel to understand your options.

Q: Will the program be reinstated?

A: The authorities have not announced a specific timeline for reinstating the program. However, they will likely conduct a thorough review and implement corrective measures before considering reinstatement.