NC S298

Authorizes counties to adopt ordinances for civil enforcement of school bus passing violations using automated safety cameras installed on school buses, with violations treated as noncriminal rather than infractions.

Establishes civil penalty amounts of $400 for first offense, $750 for second offense, and $1,000 for each subsequent violation, with no driver's license points assigned.

Requires citations be delivered within 60 days of violation and allows violators 30 days to contest the citation through administrative hearing, with appeal rights to district court.

Permits Division of Motor Vehicles to refuse vehicle registration if owners fail to pay civil penalties, and allows registered vehicle owners to identify alternative drivers who had custody of the vehicle at time of violation.

Declares criminal prosecution as the preferred enforcement method when vehicle operator identity can be determined from camera footage, and requires warning signs on school buses with cameras using statewide standards.