Move Over Law

Every year, hundreds of people are injured in crashes because a driver failed to move over and slow down for an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Every day, law enforcement officer, firefighters, EMS professionals, road workers, and tow truck drivers risk their lives working to make the roads safer.

Vehicles that can legally display these types of lights include, but are not limited to, the following vehicles: police, fire, construction, highway maintenance, tow, ambulance.

The Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law in Illinois requires drivers to move over ad slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated. Scott’s Law is part of (625 ILCS5/) Illinois Vehicle Code. 625 ILCS 5/11- 907(c), mandates that approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or emergency scene when the stationary authorized emergency vehicle is giving a visual signal by displaying oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights as authorized under Section 12-215 of this Code shall move over and slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-907

Penalties

$250—$10,000 fine for first violation
$750—$10,000 fine for second or subsequent violations
Class A Misdemeanor if the violation results in damage to another vehicle
Class 4 Felony if the violation results in the injury or death of another person
Driver’s License suspension:
- 90 days to 1 year if there is property damage to another vehicle
- 180 days to 2 years if another person is injured
- 2 years if there is a death

Scott's Law is named after Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000 while responding to an accident.