Hamilton & Antonsen
Scott’s Law Traffic Offenses
Illinois Traffic Defense Lawyer Assisting Clients with Scott’s Law Violations
Drivers in and around Joliet know that they need to move to the side of the road when an ambulance, police or other emergency vehicle is approaching. What Will County motorists might not know, however, is that there is a specific law in Illinois that makes it a serious offense for a person to fail to yield to an emergency vehicle. This law is known as “Scott’s Law.” If you are facing a Scott’s Law violation, you should get in touch with a Joliet Scott’s Law violation defense lawyer immediately.
What is Scott’s Law?
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.”
Penalties for a Scott’s Law Violation in Will County
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.
Traffic Law Topics of Interest
For more information regarding some specific aspects of traffic law in Joliet and the greater Will County area, please see the topics below
Seek Advice From a Joliet Scott’s Law Defense Lawyer
If you were cited for a violation of Scott’s Law, call our Joliet Scott’s Law attorneys at 815.729.9220 or contact us to schedule a free case evaluation today.