Joliet, Plainfield, and other Will County residents should already be aware that they need to take extra precautions around emergency vehicles with flashing lights on roads and highways. However, they may not be aware that there is an Illinois law requiring drivers to take certain action when passing stopped emergency vehicles. This law, Scott’s Law, also extends to other government vehicles beyond police, fire, and ambulances.
Scott’s Law was passed after Lieutenant Scott Gillen, a fireman in the Chicago Fire Department, was killed by a passing car while he was assisting at a crash site. Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over Law”, requires all drivers to: 1). slow down, 2). change lanes away from the vehicle, when possible, and 3.) exercise caution, as they pass vehicles with lights flashing on the side of a road. Violations can result in tickets with large fines and license suspensions.
Will County residents also need to be aware that Scott’s Law covers more than just emergency vehicles. Scott’s Law extends to any vehicle authorized by the government to have flashing lights, so long as the lights are flashing and they are engaged in their official duties. This means that drivers must also slow down and change lanes for stopped vehicles with lights flashing that are involved in construction, maintenance, surveyors, or other activities.
More information on Scott’s Law can be found at the Illinois State Police website . Joliet, Plainfield, and Will County residents should follow the rule of thumb, “If it’s flashing – Move Over.” Doing this will prevent you from getting a ticket and, more importantly, save lives.
If you have received a ticket for violating Scott’s Law and wish to discuss it with an experienced attorney, please contact Hamilton & Antonsen at 815.729.9220 to set up a complimentary consultation.
Written by: John Kunze