ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Soon enough, the familiar sight of yellow school buses will fill the road, and kids will be back in school. Because of this, the Illinois State Police said there are a few things drivers should remember about school zone speed laws and bus safety.

State Police said drivers are required to slow down in school zones. The speed limit of a school zone is 20 miles per hour, and it’s in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. State Police also reminded drivers that talking or texting on a device is not allowed — and fines are increased in a school zone.

Parents and guardians should teach their children safe walking habits. This includes:

• Using sidewalks
• Crossing at the crosswalk
• Not walking in-between cars

Illinois State Police hope these tips keep kids safe, but there are also several things drivers should remember, to do their own part.

State Police said that when a child is injured or killed around the bus, it often happens when a driver fails to stop for the flashing red lights and extended stop arm. To prevent this from happening, State Police said drivers who are approaching a stopped bus with its lights and arm activated need to stop at least 20 feet before reaching the bus.

An exception to this rule is when a school bus stops on a roadway with four or more lanes. State Police said in this scenario, only those traveling in the same direction as the school bus must stop.

If you are approaching a stopped school bus at a railroad crossing from the opposite direction, State Police said you may pass them. But, if you are approaching them from the same direction and are within 100 feet from the railroad crossing, you are not allowed pass the bus.

A first time violation for failing to stop for a school bus with its light activated and arm extended could lead to a $300 fine and a three-month driving suspension. To learn more safety information from the Illinois State Police, click here.