(RALEIGH) -- The state Highway Patrol is in the midst of a weeklong campaign that focuses on school bus safety. Sgt. Jeff Gordon said the program is designed to reduce stop arm violations and other traffic violations around school zones.

"Operation Stop Arm is an initiative that the Highway Patrol started several years ago where we're trying to educate the general public on the dangers of failing to stop for a stopped school bus.  During this one week campaign troopers will be out in force across the state," said Gordon.

Troopers will be working school zones and others will be following buses. Gordon said troopers will be driving marked and unmarked patrol cars during the operation.

Passing a stopped school bus is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, a person will receive five driving points on their driver's license and is subject to fines up to $200. Passing a stopped school bus is a Class I Felony if the driver strikes an individual and a Class H Felony if someone is killed.