Passing School Buses – Charges Laid

Charlottetown Police Services has taken enforcement action to prevent and deter drivers who chose to pass school buses and are working in conjunction with a Provincial initiative to curb this behaviour.

Drivers who fail to stop for school buses when flashing red lights are displayed can be charged under section 202(1) of the HTA (Highway Traffic Act).

So far in 2019, Charlottetown Police have charged 4 drivers in January and 2 in February.

Upon conviction:

• Fines range from $1000 to $5000
• The fines carry 12 demerit points and a 3 month Driver License cancellation
• The driver will be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee and take a defensive driving course within six months of getting the license back
• The driver will then be on a one year administrative driving probation period

Enforcement action will continue throughout the school year.  Most residents respect and abide by the school bus passing laws, but for the few that do not, Police have zero tolerance for this dangerous and reckless bahaviour and will lay charges when sufficient evidence exists.