In a new push to protect pedestrians in DC, Metropolitan Police officers will begin issuing warnings on Friday, December 1, to drivers who make a right turn in front of a bus that is stopped to receive or discharge passengers. That practice is now prohibited under the Pedestrian Protection Bus Safety Amendment Act of 2006, which the DC Council passed earlier this year.

After issuing warnings only during the month of December, police officers will begin writing notices of infraction to motorists who violate the new pedestrian safety law. Violators of the law are subject to a fine of at least $100. During the month-long warning period, District government agencies will be working to inform drivers of the new law and encourage them to be especially careful of pedestrians around buses.

While the total number of traffic fatalities in DC is down 9 percent this year, there have been 17 pedestrian fatalities, one more than in all of 2005. The safety of pedestrians boarding and exiting buses has been a particular concern.

The new law specifically prohibits a motor vehicle driver from passing to the left and pulling in front of a bus in order to make a right turn, when the bus is at a bus stop or at an intersection to receive or discharge passengers. Rather, a vehicle must stay or merge behind the bus to effect its turn.

The law applies to a wide range of public transit buses that operate in the District, including Metrobuses, the Downtown Circulator, Georgetown “Blue Buses,” Maryland and Virginia State commuter charters and Tourmobile vehicles.