The penalty for any motorist caught trying to beat a train at railroad crossings is set to go up in 2017.

Currently, the fine for ignoring the gates and warning lights is $250 for a first time offense.

Beginning January 1^st, that fine will double to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for any additional offenses after that.

Illinois ranked second in the nation last year for highway and rail related fatalities.