Definition
Scott's Law is a traffic‑safety statute enacted in the U.S. state of Illinois that requires drivers to slow down and, when safe, pull over and stop for certain emergency responders who are stationary on a roadway with their lights activated. The law also imposes civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Overview
The legislation was passed in response to a fatal incident in which a paramedic was struck by a passing vehicle while providing medical assistance at the side of a highway. It is intended to enhance the safety of emergency personnel who are working on or near roadways, particularly during motor‑vehicle collisions, accidents, or other incidents that require a response. The statute applies to police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other first‑responders who are legally authorized to be on the scene. Violations can result in fines, points on the driver’s record, and, in cases of injury or death, misdemeanor or felony charges.
Etymology/Origin
The law is named after Scott—most commonly reported as Scott Moyers, a paramedic who was killed in 2015 while attending to a crash on Illinois Route 23. The naming honors his memory and underscores the law’s purpose of preventing similar tragedies. Legislative records cite the incident as a catalyst for the law’s introduction and subsequent passage.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | Applies statewide to all public roadways in Illinois. |
| Affected personnel | Police, fire, EMS, and other authorized emergency responders who are stationary on a roadway with lights or sirens activated. |
| Driver obligations | When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, a driver must: 1. Reduce speed to a safe and reasonable speed. 2. If possible, move to the farthest lane or shoulder and come to a complete stop. 3. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle signals that it is safe to proceed. |
| Penalties | First‑offense civil penalties range from $150 to $500; subsequent offenses may incur higher fines and points on the driver’s license. Criminal charges may be filed if the violation results in bodily injury or death. |
| Enforcement | Enforced by the Illinois State Police, local police departments, and the Illinois Department of Transportation. |
| Effective date | The law took effect on January 1, 2020, following its enactment in 2019 (Public Act 101‑0552). |
Related Topics
- Move‑Over Laws – Similar statutes in other U.S. states that require drivers to change lanes or reduce speed for stopped emergency vehicles.
- Emergency Vehicle Operations – Regulations governing the behavior of emergency responders while on the road.
- Road Safety Legislation – Broader legislative efforts aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities on public roadways.
- First Responder Protection – Policies and legal measures designed to safeguard police, fire, and medical personnel during duty.
Note: While the existence of Scott's Law and its primary provisions are documented in Illinois legislative records and news reports, detailed historical information about the individual after whom the law is named varies among sources. Accurate information regarding the precise circumstances of the naming is not fully confirmed.