Harsher Fines for Passing School Buses

Summary#

This Manitoba bill raises fines for drivers who illegally pass a stopped school bus. Its goal is to improve safety for children getting on and off buses.

• Sets higher fines for passing a school bus when its signals are on.
• First conviction: fine up to $2,500.
• Second conviction: fine up to $5,000.
• Third or later conviction: fine up to $7,500.
• Takes effect the day it receives royal assent (formal approval).

What it means for you#

• Drivers

  • If you pass a stopped school bus with its warning signals on, you face a larger fine than before.
  • Fines get higher with each new conviction.
  • The court can set the amount anywhere up to the limit. There is no automatic minimum in this bill.
  • If you already stop for school buses, nothing changes for you.

• Parents and students

  • The province aims to make bus stops safer by discouraging dangerous driving near school buses.

• School divisions and bus operators

  • May see fewer drivers passing stopped buses if the higher fines deter the behavior.
  • Reporting unsafe passing remains important to support enforcement.

• Police and courts

  • No new procedures, but tickets for this offense can now carry higher fines.
  • Repeat offenders can face larger penalties.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Higher fines will deter risky driving and help protect children at bus stops.
• Steeper penalties for repeat offenders focus on those who keep breaking the law.
• Sends a clear message that passing a stopped school bus is serious.
• Simple change to existing law; does not require new programs to implement.

Opponents' View#

• The fines may be too high and could create financial hardship, especially for low‑income drivers.
• Without stronger enforcement or public education, higher fines alone may not change behavior.
• Because the fines are “up to” a maximum, actual penalties may vary widely and could be lower than supporters expect.
• Risk of penalizing drivers in unclear situations (poor visibility or confusing road layouts) if evidence is disputed.