Scott's Law
Also known as the "Move Over" Law, Scott's Law was named in remembrance of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Scott's Law mandates that when approaching any police or other emergency vehicle stopped along the roadway, you must:
- Change lanes if possible
- Always reduce speed, but reduce greatly if unable to change lanes
- Proceed with increased caution
An authorized emergency vehicle under Scott's Law, includes any vehicle authorized by law to be equipped with oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights (under Section 12-215 of this Code) while the owner or operator of the vehicle is engaged in their official duties. This includes emergency vehicles, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) vehicles, and snowplows, among others.
Violation of Scott's Law
A person found to be in violation of Scott's Law faces a fine of not more than $10,000. The offender may be found to be an aggravated offender if driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other intoxicating compounds at the time of the violation. If this is the case, the offender is subject to the following suspensions of driving privileges:
- 90 days to 1 year if the violation results in damage to the property of another person
- 180 days to 2 years if the violation results in injury to another person
- 2 years if the violation results in the death of another person