On Monday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law legislation which will require
all buses to display identifying information on the rear of the vehicle so that motorists can report misconduct on the part of the bus driver to the proper authorities.
Bill S-1773, co-sponsored by State Senator Bob Singer, stipulates that every bus must have a sign with a phone number, website address, or other identifying information to allow reporting by motorists to the Board of Education or other proper authorities. The law states that the sign must contrast with the color of the bus. Both public and private school buses are subject to the new law.
The bill also requires the establishment of an official to respond to motorist complaints, official responses to reports of driver misconduct, and a time period in which an official must respond to any reports.
With several recent close calls involving school buses, the law comes at a most prescient time. There have been far too many scares involving the lumbering vehicles, and the passage of this bill is expected to help reinforce safe driving by school bus operators.
A concern some have had is that motorists annoyed at a bus driver may call in a complaint of recklessness, jeopardizing the job of a driver that may have done nothing wrong at all. Being that the case, and with the passage and signing of this bill, it may be wise for school bus operators to install video cameras on their buses so that they may dispute false claims.
Great idea. For once someone will monitor the buses. I have called ### bus company numerous times to complain about reckless drivers, driver speaking on the cell phone, driver’s running stop signs, etc… About time they have to answer. Party is over.
Does that include when a bus driver stops to talk to a parent while leaving his red flashing lights on, thereby causing a backup of traffic in both directions?
To have the phone number of the company is worthless i have called many times they just ignore you. It should be to the state this way if they have to many infractions the state will do something about it.
That is a wonderful idea. I also have called different bus companies to make them aware and they just ignore me also.
If I were the emperor, everyone in New Jersey would have this on their car. I always let the bus driver cut in front of me. Their job is tough enough and those kids want to go home.
The law becomes effective starting July 1st – so don’t expect every company to immediately place these stickers on the buses.
Are they going to put all this information on the cars that run our reds cut us off .also that run the stop signs in lakewood
I think all vehicles on the road should have contact #s listed on the rear bumper to complain about their driving!
And when will you make the call? While driving behind the vehicle you are complaining about?
how about for people that dont drive correctly etc