NOTE: The following page features updated material to account for Public Act 101-0173 and corresponding Illinois legal changes. Since January 1, 2020, this Act escalated the punishment for violations of 625 ILCS 5/11-907, more commonly referred to as Scott’s Law.
Illinois law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles on the side of the road. This law is called “Scott’s Law” in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed by a passing motorist while responding to an emergency. The law is on the books at 625 ILCS 5/11-907.
What is the definition of Scott’s Law?
The Illinois legislature passed Scott’s Law to protect police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) when they are parked on the side of the road in the scope of their employment. An emergency vehicle includes almost any vehicle with red, blue, or white oscillating lights (such as police vehicles, ambulances, etc.) and vehicles using audible signals (such as a siren).
Scott’s Law says that if the emergency lights or siren are activated, all drivers must attempt to slow down and change to a lane away from the emergency vehicle. If changing lanes is not possible because of heavy traffic, drivers must at least slow down.
What are the penalties for not changing lanes for a parked emergency vehicle?
Drivers can be ticketed for failing to change lanes when approaching a police car on the side of the highway. The ticket is a petty offense and has a mandatory fine of $250 with an upper limit of $10,000 for the first violation. A second or subsequent violation results in a fine between $750 and $10,000.
For purposes of the fine, the fact that the defendant was driving under the influence is considered to be an aggravating factor calling for a higher fine. Higher fines can also be imposed if there was an accident.
A violation of Scott’s Law that results in an accident involving property damage will trigger driver’s license suspension for a period of 90 days. If the accident causes injury, then the suspension lasts for 180 days. Last, if the accident resulted in death, then the Secretary of State will suspend the offender’s license for two years.
Overall, if the police wrote you a ticket for Scott’s Law, you are at risk of a steep fine and driver’s license suspension.