COLUMBUS – Two central Ohio lawmakers want to crack down on motorists who repeatedly pass school buses while the buses’ “stop” arm is activated.
State Reps. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester) and Gary Scherer (R-Circleville) have introduced a bill that would allow judges to impose a $1,000 fine or suspend the driver’s license for six months to three years or both for any multiple offenses over a five-year period.
That punishment would be similar to laws in effect in many states, Brown said.
Under Ohio law, reckless drivers currently face a $500 fine and a suspension of up to a year for passing a stopped school bus with no increased penalty for a second offense.
Brown introduced similar legislation during the last session of the legislature.