School Bus Safety Crackdown: Operation Safe Stop Targets Illegal Passing in Mamaroneck

MAMARONECK, NY (October 20, 2025) — The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department is set to launch Operation Safe Stop, a statewide education and enforcement initiative focused on school bus safety, on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025. The campaign, led by Chief of Police P.J. Trujillo, aims to address the alarming statistic that an estimated 50,000 motor vehicles illegally pass New York State school buses every day.

The law is clear: it is illegal and highly dangerous to pass a stopped school bus when its large red lights are flashing. Drivers must stop whether approaching from the front or overtaking from the rear, even on divided and multilane highways. First-time offenders face a fine ranging from $250 to $400, five points on their license, and/or up to 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders face steeper penalties.

“The memory of hitting or killing a child may be one you carry for the rest of your life,” the VMPD warns, emphasizing the severe consequences of such actions.

SEE: Mamaroneck bus driver who killed mother, son in crosswalk ticketed for failing to yield, police say

Operation Safe Stop also serves as an educational tool. Yellow lights indicate the bus is about to stop, signaling drivers to slow down, while red lights mean students are getting on or off, requiring an immediate stop.

“The goal of Operation Safe Stop is to proactively educate motorists about the dangers of passing stopped school buses,” the department stated.

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This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.