Scott's Law, codified as 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c) in the Illinois Vehicle Code, is a traffic safety regulation commonly referred to as the "Move Over Law." The statute mandates that motorists approaching any stationary vehicle with flashing emergency or hazard lights must proceed with due caution, reduce speed, and, if safe and practicable to do so, change lanes to leave an empty lane between their vehicle and the stationary vehicle.
The law was named in honor of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department. On December 23, 2000, Lieutenant Gillen was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while responding to a traffic accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway. Following this incident, the Illinois General Assembly enacted the legislation in 2002 to enhance the safety of emergency responders, highway maintenance workers, and other individuals stopped on the roadside.
While the law initially focused on emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, it has been expanded through subsequent amendments. As of 2019, the scope of Scott's Law includes any vehicle stopped on the side of the road with its hazard lights activated, regardless of whether it is an official emergency vehicle.
Violations of Scott's Law carry significant legal penalties. In Illinois, a first offense typically results in a mandatory fine. If the violation causes property damage, it can lead to a driver's license suspension. If the violation results in the injury or death of another person, the driver may face felony charges and a lengthy suspension or revocation of their driving privileges.
