New York State legislation allows local governments to impose
liability on the owners of motor vehicles for failing to stop when
school buses display red visual signals and the bus stop-arm is deployed.
It is incumbent upon the Legislature to enact legislation to protect
the lives of children.
For purposes of this article, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
COUNTY
The County of Rockland.
NYS VTL
New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
OWNER
Shall have the meaning provided in NYS VTL § 239.
RECORDED IMAGES AND DATA
Photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, other recorded
images or data created with respect to the program authorized by this
article.
SCHOOL BUS PHOTO VIOLATION MONITORING SYSTEM
A device that is capable of operating independently of an
operator or enforcement officer, specifically installed to work in
conjunction with a school bus stop-arm, which device when triggered
produces records of images of a vehicle being used or operated in
violation of NYS VTL § 1174(a).
Where an operator of a vehicle violates the standards set forth
in NYS VTL § 1174-a(b), liability may be imposed upon a
vehicle owner by a court of competent jurisdiction that has jurisdiction
over the location where the violation occurred in the manner, and
upon the proof permitted by, NYS VTL § 1174-a(b), or in
any other manner or other proof permitted by law. Should a traffic
violations bureau be established in Rockland County, such a bureau
may adjudicate these claims which arise within its jurisdiction.
The Sheriff is authorized to implement such rules and regulations
as needed to implement the intent of this article. Upon promulgation,
such rules and regulations shall be filed with the County Legislature.
The local law promulgating this article shall take effect immediately
upon its filing with the NYS Secretary of State, and shall remain
in full force and effect until December 1, 2024.