LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. -- This month the La Porte Police Department announced they are increasing patrolling to protect students traveling to and from school.

The department is watching out for drivers who show aggressive driving behaviors or violate the school bus stop arm.

In the state of Indiana, it is illegal for a driver to pass a stopped school bus with an extended stop arm and flashing red lights.

“We want students to arrive to school and return home safely, which is why we’re asking all motorists to drive cautiously around buses or face the consequences,” said Chief of Police Paul Brettin.

This law applies to all roads except those dividing cars by a median or a barrier.

Motorists on the highway are only required to stop for a school bus arm if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.

Officers will be looking for speed violations as well.

Other violations officers will be looking for consists of disregarding a stoplight or stop sign, hands free driving, unsafe driving behaviors, unsafe lane movement, following a car too closely, or any other violations that could create an accident.

To view school bus safety tips please visit here.