Reckless driver forced to wear ‘idiot' sign for overtaking school bus

Two pupils have been suspended after the incident aboard a school bus in Mobile, Alabama (Getty Images)

What's the right and proper punishment for a person who drives their car onto a sidewalk to zip past a school bus? A fine? Sure. Suspended licence? Probably that too. But one Cleveland court added a cherry on top, compelling Shena Hardin, the gas-head in question, to return to the scene of the crime and wear a big sign saying "idiot".

The Cleveland Leader reports that a bus driver had noticed Hardin scoot past his vehicle several times, and eventually decided to film the culprit.

On September 11 police set up a sting and caught her in action.

After a brief court case, Hardin was found guilty of not stopping for a school bus and reckless operation.

As part of her punishment she must return to the location of the crime for an hour a day next Tuesday and Wednesday, wearing a sign that reads "Only an idiot would drive on the sidewalk to avoid the school bus."

What do you think? Should we import the idea?