SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to improve public safety by increasing fines for people driving around school buses using an extended stop arm.

Drivers stopped by police for ignoring the safety arms are currently fined a minimum of $300 and have their driver's license suspended for six months. 

Some Illinois schools also have stop arm technology, but the fine for passing those arms is capped at $150.

This law will create a uniform $300 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations.

"Students deserve every safety provision as they travel to school. Far too many times we've seen drivers ignore school bus stop signs, putting our children’s lives in danger," said Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). "This law increases penalties for those who speed through these instances, especially repeat offenders who show blatant disregard for the safety of our students."

Advocates say communities consistently see that roughly nine out of 10 motorists who receive one ticket for passing a bus with the stop arm out never receive a second. 

House Bill 3175 received unanimous support in both chambers and will take effect Jan. 1. 

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