Newtown Approves School Bus Cameras: What To Know

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown officials have approved a new school bus camera enforcement program designed to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.

Under the program, stop-arm cameras and artificial intelligence technology will be installed on all 56 buses operating school routes in town, according to town documents and previous public discussions by officials.

The enforcement system was approved through a local ordinance authorizing automated school bus violation enforcement technology.

According to ordinance documents published by the town, drivers caught illegally passing stopped school buses will face a minimum $250 civil penalty under Connecticut law. The violations will be reviewed before citations are issued.

Officials said the initiative is intended to improve student safety and address ongoing concerns about drivers ignoring school bus stop arms.

According to previous discussions by town officials, bus drivers in Newtown reported 95 stop-arm violations during a two-week period in late 2025. Roads with the highest number of reported incidents included Toddy Hill Road, Berkshire Road, Poverty Hollow Road and Orchard Hill Road.

The program is expected to launch before the start of the 2026-27 school year. Officials previously said the system would operate at no upfront cost to the town because the program is funded through violation revenue.

Newtown joins a growing number of Connecticut communities using school bus enforcement cameras, including Danbury and Shelton.