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Miami-Dade, FL - Miami-Dade officials have halted the county’s school bus traffic enforcement program after discovering incorrect fine amounts listed on traffic citations, raising concerns about potential license suspensions for drivers.
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz announced the suspension Thursday, joined by Clerk of Courts Juan Fernandez-Barquin and Chief Judge Nushin Sayfie.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with Miami-Dade Public Schools and vendor BusPatrol, used cameras on school buses to catch drivers who failed to stop when buses deployed their stop signs.
According to officials, the program issued two types of notices: a $225 Notice of Violation (NOV) and, if unpaid, a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC).
The problem emerged when UTCs were also issued for $225, when they should have listed a $344 fine.
“The amount listed for the UTCs was inaccurate,” Fernandez-Barquin said. “This discrepancy could leave individuals with unpaid balances, potentially leading to license suspensions.”
The $119 error may have caused confusion for drivers who believed they had resolved their citations, only to find they were still at risk of penalties.
Sheriff Cordero-Stutz emphasized that any enforcement effort must maintain the public’s trust and operate with transparency and accuracy.
“Everyone wants to ensure our children are safe, but enforcement must be done correctly,” she said.
No further citations will be issued under the BusPatrol program until further notice.
Drivers who receive a citation are encouraged to follow the instructions provided unless directed otherwise.
Those with concerns about past payments are advised to seek legal guidance to understand their rights.