Drivers in Marion Violate School Bus Yielding Laws

Marion school bus drivers logged a total of 96 violations of drivers passing stopped school buses during the past school year, and the number of violations already this year is on pace to be nearly as high.

This school year, a new law went into effect that increases penalties for those who don't yield to school buses, but so far it doesn't seem to be making a difference.

School has been in session less than two months, and 23 violations have been noted so far.

That's between both districts — Linn-Mar and Marion Independent.

District officials have told the Marion Times that school bus drivers can't log each infraction, so the number is actually higher. Linn-Mar Information Services Coordinator Laura Mallicoat estimated that there may have been close to 300 violations this year and more than 60 so far this year.

Punishments

Kadyn's Law went into effect to strengthen the penalties for offenses. It is named after Kadyn Halverson, a 7-year-old child from Kensett who died in May 2011 when a driver struck her while she was making her way to her school bus. 

Under Kadyn's Law a first offense of unlawful passing of a school bus is considered a simple misdemeanor. The fine imposed is at least $250, but not more than $675, and the court may order imprisonment not to exceed 30 days in lieu of or in addition to a fine, according to The Times. The Iowa DOT will impose a 30-day suspension of the person's driver's license. 

A second offense is considered a serious misdemeanor with a fine of at least $315, but not more than $1,875. Imprisonment may not exceed one year, and the DOT will impose a 90-day suspension. 

Third and subsequent offenses carry 180-day license suspensions.