, neglecting to move over and slow down for a vehicle displaying flashing emergency lights is a moving violation. Along with the ticket, you could be issued a fine between $250 and $10,000.

The move over law in Illinois is also known as Scott’s Law. It was named for LT Scott Gillen of the Chicago fire department, who was killed by a drunk driver while working on the scene of a crash. Being struck by a passing vehicle is the leading cause of death for emergency responders, both in Illinois and across the country. As such, it’s our responsibility to slow down and drive carefully when passing a stopped vehicle with emergency lights.

With the exception of Washington, D.C., anywhere you drive is subject to move over laws. However, since each state has its own version of the law, it’s important to know what’s expected of you while you’re on the road. That’s why

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What are the move over laws in Illinois?

Scott’s Law requires all drivers in Illinois to slow down and change lanes, if possible, when approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing emergency lights.

Specifically, Scott’s law requires drivers to:

Yield the right-of-way to authorized emergency vehicles that are traveling in the same direction with their lights on

Vacate the lane adjacent to a stationary vehicle displaying flashing emergency lights, if possible, and reduce their speed

What is considered an emergency vehicle in Illinois?

Originally, Scott’s Law only applied to stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing emergency lights such as:

Police cruisers

Ambulances

Fire trucks

However, in 2017, Scott’s Law was expanded to protect all vehicles displaying flashing emergency lights—including commercial trucks and cars.

Penalties for violating Illinois’s move over laws

Failing to move over and slow down for a stationary vehicle in Illinois with flashing emergency lights could result in:

A traffic ticket

A fine between $250 and $10,000

Additional fines and charges could be added if you’re deemed to be distracted or intoxicated, and you could potentially face jail time if you injure or kill someone.

MORE:

5 driving violations that could land you in jail

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Can violating move over laws raise your insurance?

Violating Scott’s Law will often earn you a moving violation. These kinds of tickets will place demerit points on your driving record, as well as increase the cost of insuring your vehicle. If someone or something is harmed as a result of you violating Scott’s Law, expect your insurance rate increase to be far more significant.

Demerit points remain on your driving record in Illinois for four to five years after the conviction date. If you already have points on your record, drive carefully—every additional point will only further increase your monthly car insurance payments.

Why are there move over laws?

Scott’s Law, and all move over laws, try to create a buffer zone between emergency responders and passing drivers. The hope is that this additional space will reduce the number of injuries and fatalities inflicted on emergency responders by distracted drivers.

Illinois enacted Scott’s law in 2005 and later expanded its protection in 2017. However, move over laws began appearing in the early 2000s after a paramedic in South Carolina was injured on the scene of an accident by a passing driver—and then found to be at fault for the incident. Since 2021, all states in the U.S. have had some form of Scott’s law on the books that requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles with flashing emergency lights.

MORE:

How police catch uninsured drivers

How to find cheap insurance after a traffic conviction

Traffic tickets can break your budget with fines and additional costs to your

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