Miami-Dade Sheriff Suspends School Bus Camera Program Due to Citation Errors

Suspension of School Bus Camera Program

• 🚨 The Miami-Dade Sheriff has announced the immediate suspension of the county's school bus camera citation program.
• ⚠️ This decision stems from serious errors discovered in the amounts listed on traffic tickets issued by the vendor, BusPatrol.

Program's Purpose and Issues

• 🎯 The program, a partnership with Miami Dade County Public Schools and BusPatrol, aimed to enhance student safety by ticketing drivers who violate school bus safety rules.
• 💸 However, the program has been plagued by issues, most recently with errors in the citations issued, undermining its integrity.

Citation Errors and Financial Impact

• 🧾 The primary issue involves incorrect fine amounts on Notices of Violation (NOVs) and Uniform Traffic Citations (UTCs).
• 💰 Drivers were notified of a $225 fine for a UTC, but the correct amount should be $344, leaving them $119 short if they paid the erroneous amount.
• ⚠️ Paying the incorrect amount could have led to suspension of drivers' licenses.

Sheriff's Statement and Advice

• ⚖️ Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz stated that the errors do not meet the department's standards for law enforcement.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 While ensuring children's safety is paramount, the sheriff emphasized that enforcement must be done correctly.
• 📬 If drivers receive a citation, they must comply unless specifically notified it has been voided.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Those who have already paid erroneous notices are advised to consult with a lawyer regarding their rights.