BusPatrol Camera Program in the City of Buffalo
Jan. 23, 2026
Driving in Buffalo, New York, typically requires plenty of attention. Between potholes, winter weather, and changing traffic patterns, you have a lot on your mind. Recently, a new challenge has arrived in many drivers' mailboxes: a school bus camera ticket. If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you know recently opened an envelope to find a citation from the City of Buffalo’s BusPatrol program. It’s frustrating, it’s expensive, and handling it incorrectly can lead to even bigger headaches.
At Michael Kuzma, Attorney at Law, I provide legal representation for motorists just like you. I believe in protecting the constitutional rights of every individual who walks through my door. Whether you live in the heart of Buffalo, New York, the surrounding suburbs, or Southern Ontario, Canada, I am here to help you understand your legal options.
If you have received a traffic ticket from the BusPatrol program, speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The system is set up to process you quickly, not necessarily fairly. When you get one of these automated citations, you might feel like you have no choice but to pay up. That isn't always true. I can help you review the evidence, understand the statutes, and make informed decisions about your next steps.
What Is the Buffalo BusPatrol Program?
The City of Buffalo recently partnered with a private company, BusPatrol, to install stop-arm cameras on school buses. The goal of this program is to promote child safety by preventing cars from passing buses while children are loading or unloading. However, the implementation of these automated enforcement programs often leaves drivers confused and frustrated.
The technology uses cameras and artificial intelligence to detect vehicles passing a bus when the red stop-arm is extended. Once the system flags a violation, the footage is reviewed, and a citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. A first-time offense typically starts at $250. If you don't handle it immediately, the penalties will increase, which can be a significant financial hit for most families.
Your Options If You Receive a BusPatrol Fine
If you or someone you know has received a ticket for a BusPatrol violation, it's important to handle it swiftly and accurately. These citations have strict deadlines, and missing them could lead to additional consequences. Once you receive a ticket, you have two primary options: pay the fine or contest the ticket.
Option 1: Pay the Fine
If you review the video evidence provided by BusPatrol, which is usually available online via a code on your ticket, and clearly see that you were in the wrong, paying the fine might be the best choice. Doing so admits liability. For many, this is the path of least resistance. If you do choose this route, pay the fine immediately to avoid late or additional fees.
Option 2: Request a Hearing
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to challenge it. Perhaps the video evidence shows that you stopped in time, that the lights weren't flashing properly, or that you weren't actually the one driving the vehicle. If this is the case, you might have sufficient evidence to challenge the ticket.
However, if you choose to contest a BusPatrol ticket, you will need to request a formal hearing. The City of Buffalo won't automatically provide you with a court hearing. You have to ask for it. Filling out the form on the back of the ticket and dropping it in your mailbox isn't enough. If you are requesting a hearing, you should send it via certified mail and request a return receipt.
The return receipt provides you with legal proof that you mailed the request and, more importantly, that the processing center received it. If they try to claim that you defaulted on paying the fine, you can use the tracking number and the signature to prove otherwise.
Common Defenses for Challenging BusPatrol Fines
At Michael Kuzma, Attorney at Law, I am experienced in helping my clients with traffic violations matters. If you have received a violation from BusPatrol, I can help you examine the evidence to find potential gray areas. Due to the automated nature of the program, a computer typically makes the initial call. However, there are certain defenses you can use when challenging a BusPatrol violation:
Stopping distance: Did you stop, but maybe a few feet past the ideal line? The camera might trigger a violation, but a person might interpret it differently.
Amber vs. red lights: New York law requires drivers to stop for red flashing lights. Sometimes, drivers are trapped in a "zone of dilemma" where the lights on the bus switch from amber to red too quickly to stop safely.
Vehicle ownership: Since these are civil penalties charged to the owner of the vehicle, issues commonly arise when person driving the vehicle wasn't the owner. While New York law holds the owner liable, there are specific affidavits and procedures for rental companies or situations in which a car was reported stolen.
Laws Governing the Buffalo BusPatrol Program
The backbone of the BusPatrol program in Buffalo is established under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1174-a, which specifically allows school districts and municipalities to install stop-arm cameras on school buses. Under VTL § 1174-a, the owner of the vehicle is liable for a penalty if their vehicle is caught overtaking or passing a school bus that has stopped to receive or discharge passengers, provided the bus has displayed its red visual signal and stop-arm.
A key distinction in this law is that it creates an "owner liability" system. Unlike a standard traffic stop, where a police officer identifies the driver, these camera tickets are civil in nature. This means:
No points: Under New York State law, camera-based school bus violations currently do not result in points on your driver's license.
No insurance impact: Since it is not a moving violation conviction against a driver's license, insurance companies typically do not raise insurance premiums based on these camera tickets.
The presumption: The law creates a presumption that the registered owner was the one driving or consented to the vehicle's use.
While the lack of points is good news, the financial penalties outlined in the law are severe to encourage compliance. Fines for a violation of the BusPatrol program start at $250 for a first violation and increase to $275 for a second violation within 18 months and $300 for a third violation.
New York law outlines evidentiary requirements for issuing a fine. The notice of liability you receive must contain the time, date, and location of the violation, along with photos and/or video evidence. If these technical requirements are not provided on your ticket, the citation could be invalid.
Contact an Experienced New York Traffic Law Attorney Today
At Michael Kuzma, Attorney at Law, I have over 25 years of experience helping clients handle traffic violations in New York. Whether you need help paying a BusPatrol ticket or challenging a violation, I bring a relentless drive to every client I represent.
Located in Buffalo, New York, I serve clients charged with traffic offenses in New York State. Contact me today for a free consultation. Let’s get to work protecting your rights.