Illinois has a “move over” law that was enacted to help keep first responders who are assisting stranded or injured motorists along the side of the road safe. Every year, police, emergency medical services (EMS) professionals and tow truck drivers, as well as the people they’re assisting, are injured or killed by drivers who didn’t slow down or change lanes to avoid hitting them.
In fact, Illinois’ move over law is named Scott’s Law to honor a member of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed while assisting a driver along a Chicago expressway. Just before Christmas 2024, an Illinois State Police (ISP) trooper was struck and killed along a road.
More about the amended law
Starting at the beginning of 2025, the law clearly states that when approaching a scene where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, a driver must slow down, proceed with caution and move over a lane if it’s safe to do so. The law now also mandates these cautionary actions when approaching a work or construction zone.
A person who violates the law can potentially be fined up to $10,000. They can face additional misdemeanor or even felony criminal charges if their actions are determined to have caused injury or death.
Technology can help alert drivers to emergency scenes
Drivers in some newer model vehicles will even receive alerts if they’re using a navigation app like Apple Maps or Waze as they approach a scene where ISP officers are present. That’s thanks to a partnership between the ISP and a Chicago-based company that creates in-vehicle notifications.
Certainly, this area has its share of roadside scenes involving traffic collisions and stranded motorists all year, but winter always brings extra risks. Weather conditions can lower visibility considerably. If you’re facing fines and potentially criminal penalties for a crash involving an emergency scene or work zone, it’s crucial to take the matter seriously. Having experienced legal guidance can help you protect your rights.