DETROIT (August 21, 2025) – In an effort to make students’ commutes safer and increase student patrol safety Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) has partnered with BusPatrol to install bus arm cameras on all DPSCD school buses. These cameras will aid in enforcing Michigan’s traffic laws for school bus stops, making students’ commutes to and from school safer.

Michigan law requires all traffic to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus stop when a bus’ red flashing lights and stop sign are on display. This allows students to safely cross the street and enter and exit the bus without fear of being struck by an oncoming vehicle.

"Student patrol safety is our highest priority. Over the past several months, we’ve partnered with BusPatrol to bring cutting-edge safety technology to our yellow vendor buses—at no cost to the District or our transportation providers. Thanks to recent changes in Michigan law, DPSCD will now be able to use stop-arm cameras to enforce traffic violations and better protect students as they board and exit buses. This partnership not only enhances safety but also generates revenue that will be reinvested into critical transportation safety initiatives across our District,” said Machion Jackson, Deputy Superintendent, DPSCD.

Vehicles that do not stop for buses are subject to a civil infraction and a fine. School buses are passed illegally more than 45 million times a year in North America, compromising student safety.

Last December, the Michigan legislature enacted a new law that allows school buses to install stop-arm camera systems that automatically record video or sequenced photographs of vehicles that fail to stop for a school bus or pass a school bus in violation of the law. School districts may also enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies for enforcement and reimbursement of costs related to camera-based violations. Law enforcement agencies may review information from alleged camera-based violations and mail a citation to the registered owner of the vehicle within 30 days of receiving violation information.

“We want to deliver this message to all motorist who are operating vehicles who encounter the school buses and make them aware it will cost if they do not adhere to the bus arm stop,” said Monique Bryant, DPSCD Board Member. “This initiative will raise safety awareness and hold drivers accountable while protecting our students and families.”

In response, DPSCD partnered with public safety company BusPatrol to install safety cameras on all buses at no cost to the District. Eight cameras on each bus offer a comprehensive 360-degree view, including six interior cameras, two exterior camera boxes, and live streaming options.

Using data collection and video monitoring, BusPatrol collaborates with law enforcement to issue citations and reduce stop-arm violations. Their AI-Enabled Stop-Arm Camera School Bus Safety Program solution helps police enforce critical law to change driver behavior.

DPSCD Public Safety will review and approve footage and issue citations for $295 per offense; 40% of all collected revenue goes to the District to enhance and expand District safety initiatives.

Here are some key statistics about DPSCD’s school bus transportation system:

• The District will have 295 buses equipped with cameras at no cost to the District.
• Approximately 289 buses serving the District will be outfitted with cameras.
• We transport nearly 13,000 students daily.
• There are over 1,700 corner stops, servicing 71 schools across 142 square miles.