The bill S. 406 aims to enhance the enforcement of laws regarding the illegal passing of school buses in South Carolina. It introduces a new section, 56-5-2790, which holds vehicle owners or operators liable to the Department of Education for violations of Section 56-5-2770, specifically for failing to stop when a school bus has its amber signals activated. The bill establishes a civil penalty structure, where the first violation incurs a fine of up to $100, and subsequent violations can result in fines of up to $250. Additionally, if penalties are not paid within thirty days, further civil penalties may be imposed, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is authorized to suspend the vehicle's registration until the judgment is satisfied.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school bus operators report any incidents where vehicles fail to stop when the bus's amber signals are activated, requiring them to notify the Department of Education within twenty-four hours. It also amends Section 56-3-1335 to include provisions for suspending vehicle registrations for outstanding judgments related to passing a school bus, aligning it with existing regulations for toll violations. Overall, the bill seeks to improve safety for schoolchildren by ensuring stricter penalties and enforcement measures against those who violate school bus safety laws.

Statutes affected:
03/04/2025: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335
03/05/2025: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335
Latest Version: 56-5-2790, 56-5-2770, 59-67-235, 56-3-1335