Horry County Drivers Led State in Bus Stop Citations
South Carolina data shows Horry County drivers accounted for over 25 percent of all school bus citations since 2020.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Since 2020, South Carolina law enforcement issued more than 2,050 citations for illegal passing of school buses. Drivers in Horry County received 522 of those citations, representing over 25 percent of the state total.
Why it matters
Authorities have prioritized traffic enforcement near school bus stops to curb dangerous driving and enhance student safety. Violations are tracked to ensure drivers adhere to state laws requiring stops for buses on two-lane roads.
A conviction for illegally passing a school bus carries a fine of more than $1,000 and six license points. Through August 31, 2026, officials recorded 297 citations, following a record 473 issued statewide in 2025.
The players
South Carolina Law Enforcement
This agency oversees statewide traffic safety, manages citation records, and enforces school bus stop laws.
The details
Troopers issue these citations only after witnessing the violation or obtaining clear video evidence of the vehicle and license plate. School buses are equipped with cameras to assist law enforcement in identifying drivers who fail to stop as required by law.
Timeline
2020 marked the beginning of the statewide tracking period for school bus stop citations.
The 2024-25 school year saw 3,901 total reports of stop-arm violations across South Carolina.
A record 473 school bus citations were issued throughout the 2025 calendar year.
Data collection for 2026 school bus citations concluded on August 31, 2026.
Roadmap
This enforcement effort reflects a broader commitment to student transportation safety through modern surveillance. These measures extend South Carolina's school bus stop law by utilizing camera technology to identify violators on high-traffic local routes.
Drivers in South Carolina should expect a continued police presence near bus stops to prevent illegal passing. Those caught violating the law face significant financial penalties of $1,000 or more and points added to their driving record.
The takeaway
Drivers must remain alert for school buses and come to a complete stop as required by state law. Being aware of these traffic regulations helps ensure student safety while avoiding severe fines and license penalties.
Further reading
Learn more about local school policies in South Carolina Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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