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GREENSBORO -- The Greensboro Police Department were on the lookout Tuesday for drivers who don't stop when kids get on and off the school bus. It's part of Operation Stop Arm, an effort to crack down on those violations.

“We're looking to make sure the bus, the red lights are actually flashing, the stop arm is extended,” said Greensboro Police Officer L. J. Lewis.

Dozens of officers followed buses on their routes Tuesday morning. Many of those routes are known for their high number of violations. “The people don't want to hurt students either, however, because of distracted driving, not paying attention, failure to see those large orange, yellow buses with flashing lights. We want to make sure to draw an awareness level,” said Greensboro Police Officer J.B. Price.

Officers say drivers who disobey Stop Arm Laws can face some steep charges. In fact, these offenses carry some of the toughest penalties. “It carries five driver's license points as well as large court costs and it is a misdemeanor," said Price. "You could be arrested for that charge.”

Officers will be on the look out for violators throughout the rest of the school year, but they point out they won't be the only ones. Bus drivers also watch for violators. “If you pass their school bus, usually they will report you and we actually follow up with that," said Lewis. "We sometimes go out and speak to the drivers and then a lot of times, those drivers are also charged."

Officers say whenever a school bus stop arm is extended you must stop. The only exception is if you're on a four lane road and there's a turn lane, or median, between you and the stopped bus. Officers say if you're unsure it's better to err on the side of caution and stop.