Using digital video cameras, the Palm Beach County School District hopes to stop drivers from running school bus stop arms. 

"If the stop arm comes out, it automatically starts recording," said Dale Fambrough, of the School District of Palm Beach County. 

Forward- and rear-facing cameras will capture any illegal and dangerous violations, but right now it is only in the testing stages with four buses outfitted with the systems. 

"We are hoping that if the public knew we had these cameras that it would improve our safety rating, as well," Fambrough said. 

It also has GPS, so investigators can tell if the bus was really stopped, and a marker button to help find video of violators quickly. 

"This button actually tells us if the camera is operational, but at the same time, it’s right here at the driver’s hand and they can just push the button when the event occurs," Fambrough said. 

According to the State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there are an estimated 8,900 illegal school bus passes in Florida every year. With a fine for passing on left of $165 and a fine for passing on the right of $265, along with 4 points on the driver’s license, it could be a way for municipalities and school districts to make money and defray the rising cost of transportation. But just like those red light cameras at intersections, the constitutionality of the techno fines is being challenged. 

"I think it is good. I like that idea because we will be more aware," said a driver who likes the idea. 

"A lot of kids just don't pay attention to cars and they run out. That’s for the safety of the kids to let the cars know that, ‘Hey you need to stop,’" said Shane Harris, who also likes the idea. 

The hope is that one day the technology will become so inexpensive they can mount multiple cameras on the outside of the bus so the driver can see in his or her blind spots, much like the backup cameras on newer model cars. 

The Palm Beach County School District is the only one in the state testing the system, but if those who oppose the cameras can't stop them, who knows where they could make their next stop?