One hundred citations costing $250 each were given to motorists last week caught in the act of running school bus stop arms and red lights by law enforcement professionals.

Code named "Operation Yellow Blitz," Massachusetts police and safety officers statewide worked with the Registry of Motor Vehicles to target those drivers who don't know the law or fail to comply with the regulation aimed at keeping students safe while loading or unloading the school bus. Judith Dupille, the assistant director pf vehicle safety and compliance services at RMV, said the event takes place each year during National School Bus Safety Week, this year on Oct. 21.

"I have a field staff of 41 and myself and our program manager to send a message," she added.

One of Dupille's supervisors worked with the Massachusetts State Police to receive reports from all jurisdictions participating in Operation Yellow Blitz. If violators receive a second ticket, the penalty increases to a $500 fine and a hearing that decides whether or not to strip the motorist's license.

Last year, 136 citations were written in 115 cities and towns.