City of Lowell Seeks Adoption of Massachusetts School Bus Safety Law

The City of Lowell is moving forward with its efforts to implement automated traffic enforcement cameras on school buses. Lowell officials are seeking to enhance student safety and reduce illegal vehicle passings following the passage of a recently enacted state law.

The effort addresses ongoing concerns about drivers failing to stop for school buses when children enter and exit the vehicles. Each year, thousands of violations are recorded across the state.

Under the proposed initiative, cameras installed on school buses will record vehicles passing while red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Police will review violations, and citations will be mailed to vehicle owners.

"The City of Lowell has already been aggressive in implementing traffic-calming measures across our neighborhoods," said City Manager Thomas A. Golden Jr. in a statement issued by the City of Lowell. "This program doubles down on that effort. There is no place for drivers putting children in harm's way."

The state law, Chapter 399 of the Acts of 2024, was signed earlier this year.  It gives Massachusetts cities and municipalities the authority to adopt automated enforcement programs to reduce school bus violations. Several communities, including Methuen, have moved forward with implementation.

"We're encouraged by the potential of this new school bus safety technology to enhance the protection of students across the City of Lowell," said Police Superintendent Greg Hudon in the city's media statement. "The Lowell Police Department remains firmly committed to student safety, as reflected in our increased traffic enforcement around school zones."

Once adopted, the initiative would include a public education campaign to inform drivers about legal stopping requirements. Revenue from citations may be allocated to school transportation and safety efforts.

Massachusetts law requires drivers to stop for school buses when the stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing on all roadways except those divided by a physical median. Failure to stop can result in fines and pose a safety hazard to children entering or exiting a bus.