Legal Update No. 165 (06/2025)

Michigan Vehicle Code amended to prescribe new requirements for approaching a school bus displaying flashing red lights and to authorize “stop-arm camera” based violations.

PA 161 of 2024, amended MCL 257.682 and MCL 257.742 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe new driver requirements when overtaking or meeting a school bus displaying flashing red lights and to authorize violations based solely on a photograph captured or a video recorded by a “stop-arm camera” system. 

PA 163 of 2024, amended MCL 257.1805 and MCL 257.1820 of the Pupil Transportation Act to redefine the term “stop-arm camera” and to authorize agreements with law enforcement agencies to establish enforcement responsibilities and the reimbursement of any costs related to “stop-arm camera” based violations.

Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights

Drivers who are overtaking or passing a school bus that is stopped and is displaying two alternating flashing red lights must stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the visual signal is no longer actuated. MCL 257.682(1).

Except where a crosswalk or pedestrian walkway is present, the operator of a vehicle on a highway that has been divided into two roadways by leaving a raised intervening space, or by a physical barrier, or clearly indicated dividing sections so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic is not required to stop upon meeting a school bus that has stopped across the raised intervening space, physical barrier, or dividing section.  MCL 257.682(2).

A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

Note: Officers are reminded that “yellow light” stops or “hazard stops” are permitted under MCL 257.1855(2)(e), and when utilized, the school bus is not controlling traffic, and traffic is not required to stop for the school bus. Such stops may be utilized by a school bus on roadways with a speed limit of 50 mph or less when pupils are not required to cross the roadway and there is adequate width for the school bus to be pulled to the far right of or off the roadway or private road allowing traffic to flow.  When used, the driver shall activate the hazard warning lights before the stop and continue to display the lights until the process of receiving or discharging the pupils is completed. Before resuming motion, the driver shall deactivate these lights.

“Stop-arm camera” systems  

“Stop-arm camera system” - a system of two or more cameras affixed to a school bus that meet all of the following requirements:

It is synchronized to automatically record video or one or more sequenced photographs of a vehicle that fails to stop for a school bus or passes a school bus in violation of MCL 257.682(1).  MCL 257.1805(8)(a).

It is capable of capturing images of the vehicle, the registration plate on the rear of the vehicle, and a distance of not less than 200 feet in front of the school bus. MCL 257.1805(8)(b).

It records the date, time, and location on a video recorded or photograph captured by the system.  MCL 257.1805(8)(c). 

Agreements with law enforcement agencies and vendors - A school district may install and operate a “stop-arm camera system” on a school bus and enter into agreements with one or more law enforcement agencies to establish enforcement responsibilities for the reimbursement of any costs related to camera-based violations of MCL 257.682(1), and enter into a contract with a private vendor to install, operate, and provide support to a stop-arm camera system and to perform the school district’s obligations under its agreement with law enforcement.   MCL 257.1820.

“Stop-arm camera” based violations

When a vehicle fails to stop for a stopped school bus as required in MCL 257.682(1), and the school bus is equipped with a stop-arm camera, the photo or video captured can be used as evidence in a proceeding for a camera-based violation. The school district using the stop-arm cameras shall provide a copy of the photograph or video recorded by the stop-arm camera for use as evidence in a proceeding for a camera-based violation if requested by the law enforcement agency.  MCL 257.682(4).

After receiving a photograph or video for a camera-based violation, the law enforcement agency has not more than 30 days to review the information and determine if there is sufficient evidence that a violation occurred. If it is determined that a violation of MCL 257.682(1) occurred, MCL 257.742 has been amended to permit the law enforcement agency to initiate an action by mailing a citation via first class mail to the operator of the vehicle. MCL 257.682(6).

Along with the citation, the mailing must include the following information: 

A copy of the photograph or selected images from the recorded video showing the vehicle involved in the violation.  MCL 257.682(7)(a).

If the violation was recorded, a method to review the recorded video on a website.  MCL 257.682(7)(b).

The date, time, and location of the alleged violation. MCL 257.682(7)(c).

A statement of facts inferred from the captured photograph or recorded video.  MCL 257.682(7)(d).

Rebuttable presumption - Proof that the vehicle described in the citation was in violation together with proof the defendant named on the citation was at the time the registered owner constitutes a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation. MCL 257.682(3).