DS-103 Form – If you operate a school bus or work for a New York transportation provider, the DS-103 Form (officially titled “Report of Passing Stopped School Bus”) is the critical tool for documenting illegal passing violations. This simple one-page PDF helps protect children by alerting the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to dangerous drivers who ignore flashing red lights on stopped school buses.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly what the DS-103 form is, who must use it, how to fill it out step-by-step, where to submit it, and the latest 2026 penalties for these violations. Download the current official version directly from the NY DMV website.
What Is the DS-103 Form?
The DS-103 is the official New York DMV form used exclusively to report motorists who illegally pass a school bus stopped on the highway with its red lights flashing. Revised in August 2018 (DS-103 8/18), the form remains the current version available on the DMV website as of March 2026.
It is not a general public complaint form. Instead, it is designed for school bus operators and transportation providers (motor carriers) to document violations observed during student pick-up or drop-off.
Why Report Passing a Stopped School Bus?
New York law (Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1174) makes it illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop-arm is extended. Every year, thousands of children are put at risk by impatient drivers. Reporting via the DS-103 form triggers DMV review and potential enforcement action against the violator.
Recent changes make reporting even more impactful: Effective February 16, 2026, passing a stopped school bus now carries 8 points on a driver’s license (up from 5 points). Accumulating 11 points in 18 months can lead to license suspension.
Who Must Use the DS-103 Form?
- School bus drivers
- Transportation providers / motor carriers contracted by schools
- Any authorized representative of a school bus operator
Private citizens or other motorists should contact local police or use county stop-arm camera programs (such as Alertbus) instead. The DS-103 is specifically for transportation providers to report observed violations.
How to Download the DS-103 PDF?
Direct official link (100% free, no registration required):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds103.pdf
The form is a one-page, fillable PDF. You can print it, fill by hand, or complete it digitally before printing. Always use the version hosted on dmv.ny.gov to ensure you have the latest accepted document.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the DS-103 Form
The form is straightforward. Provide clear, accurate details about the violator’s vehicle and the incident. Here are the exact fields:
- License Number – Driver’s license plate or license number of the passing vehicle
- Make of Vehicle – e.g., Toyota, Ford, Honda
- Color of Vehicle – e.g., blue, silver, black
- Date – Exact date of the violation (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Time – Time the violation occurred
- Location – Full street address, highway, or intersection (be as specific as possible)
Reporter/Contact Section (bottom of form):
- Name of contact person
- Telephone number (include area code)
- Transportation Provider name
- Address (Number and Street, City/Town, Zip Code)
No checkboxes or lengthy narratives are required—just the facts. At the top, the form clearly states its purpose: “Use this form to report motorists who illegally pass a school bus that is stopped on the highway with its red lights flashing.”
Where to Submit the Completed DS-103 Form?
Mail the original completed form to:
Driver Improvement Bureau
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228-0220
Keep a copy for your records. There is no online submission portal for DS-103 at this time. Questions? Use the contact information you provide on the form.
Current Penalties for Passing a Stopped School Bus in New York (2026 Update)
For the vehicle operator (driver):
- First conviction: $250–$400 fine and/or up to 30 days jail
- Second conviction (within 3 years): $600–$750 fine and/or up to 180 days jail
- Third or more: $750–$1,500 fine and/or up to 180 days jail
- 8 points on driving record (updated February 2026)
For vehicle owners (via stop-arm cameras under VTL 1174-A):
- $250 (1st), $275 (2nd within 18 months), $300 (3rd+)
School districts and municipalities increasingly use automated cameras, which can issue owner citations without needing the DS-103 form. However, the DS-103 remains the primary manual reporting tool for bus operators.
School Bus Safety Tips for All Drivers
- Stop at least 20 feet away when red lights flash
- Never pass on two-lane, multi-lane, or divided highways
- Watch for children near bus stops
- Be patient—buses make frequent stops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can anyone use the DS-103 form?
No. It is for transportation providers and school bus operators only.
Is the form still current in 2026?
Yes—the DS-103 (8/18) is the active version listed on the official NY DMV forms page.
What if I see a violation but don’t operate a bus?
Contact your local police non-emergency line or county school bus safety program (e.g., Alertbus at 1-877-504-7080).
Do I need to include photos or video?
Not required on the DS-103, but additional evidence can be mailed with the form if available.
Protect New York’s Children – Download & Use the DS-103 Today
School bus safety starts with reporting violations. Transportation providers: keep blank DS-103 forms on every bus and submit promptly when you witness illegal passing.
Official Download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds103.pdf
For the full school bus safety rules and point-system updates, visit the official NY DMV pages:
- School Bus Safety: dmv.ny.gov/more-info/school-bus-safety
- Driver Points: dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties
Stay safe on the roads and help keep New York’s 2.3 million school bus riders protected every day.
Last updated March 2026 – All information sourced directly from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.