Scott’s Law Traffic Offenses

Scott’s Law is also known as the “Move Over” law. It was named for Lieutenant Scott Gillen, a member of the Chicago Fire Department who was killed by an intoxicated driver. Scott’s Law requires drivers to move over or change lanes upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible (sirens) or visual (flashing lights) signals.

The statute specifically says that, “upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals,” motorists “shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb.”

If a person is cited for violating Scott’s Law in Will County, that driver can face serious penalties including:

• Fines ranging from $250 to $10,000;
• Class 4 Felony charges if the offense results in the injury or death of another person. This charge can result in a term of imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of up to $25,000;
• Mandatory minimum 90-day driver’s license suspension (and up to 1 year suspension) if the offense results in property damage;
• Mandatory minimum 180-day driver’s license suspension (and up to two-year suspension) if the offense results in injury to another person; and
• Mandatory minimum two-year driver’s license suspension if the offense results in the death of another person.