Summary
When approaching any vehicle with flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights (including police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, and highway maintenance), you must: Move Over: Change lanes to a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, if it is safe to do so. Slow Down: If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, you must reduce your speed and proceed with due caution. New 2026 Expansion: As of January 1, 2026, the law has been expanded to require drivers to yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights whether they are stationary or moving.
In Illinois, Scott’s Law (625 ILCS 5/11-907(c)), also known as the “Move Over Law,” requires motorists to yield the right-of-way to emergency and maintenance vehicles.
Key Requirements
When approaching any vehicle with flashing, oscillating, or rotating lights (including police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, and highway maintenance), you must:
- Move Over: Change lanes to a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, if it is safe to do so.
- Slow Down: If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, you must reduce your speed and proceed with due caution.
New 2026 Expansion: As of January 1, 2026, the law has been expanded to require drivers to yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights whether they are stationary or moving.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Scott’s Law carries significant consequences in Illinois:
Fines: Minimum of $250 for a first offense and $750 for subsequent offenses, with a maximum fine of up to $10,000.
License Suspension: If a violation results in property damage, your license can be suspended for 90 days to 1 year. If it results in injury, the suspension is 180 days to 2 years, and if it results in death, a 2-year suspension is mandated.
Criminal Charges: Violations resulting in vehicle damage can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. If injury or death occurs, it can be elevated to a Class 4 felony.
History
The law is named in honor of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000 while assisting at a crash scene on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
For more details on road safety, you can review the Illinois State Police Move Over Law page or the official 625 ILCS 5/11-907 statute.