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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Martin, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police ‘Focus In’ on school bus stop arm
Edina, Minn., Sept. 4, 2013 – As a part of the 2013 “Focus In” campaign, Edina patrol officers will focus
efforts on school bus stop arm violations during the month of September.
With the start of the school year, more yellow buses are back on the road. During the summer, few
commuters see school buses operating. Reminders at the start of the school season will help ensure children
get on and off the bus safely for the rest of the year.
Drivers should always stop for a school bus when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended –
even on a two- or three-lane road. If drivers intend to turn onto a street where a school bus is stopped and
the red lights are flashing, they should remain in their original lane until the lights are turned off and the stop
arm is withdrawn.
Failing to stop for a school bus is chargeable as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending on
circumstances, and is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and/or a one-year jail sentence.
Due to the severity of the violation, education will include a citation to those who violate the statutes or
codes. There will be no warnings.
“Focus In” is a campaign aimed to educate the public and gain compliance with various state statutes and
ordinances. The violations the Police Department focuses on have seasonal relevance, affect the quality of life
in Edina or pose safety risks to residents. All statutes will be enforced year-round, but additional attention will
be paid to the focus of the month.
This year, Police have already focused on obstructed vision, failure to signal, unsafe equipment and failure to
display headlights, bike safety, curfew laws, pedestrian safety and child safety and seat belts. In future months,
police will “Focus In” on speed in school zones, night and snow parking, and the “move over” law.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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