How-to guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Illinois Move Over Law (Scott's Law): What Drivers Must Do
Every year, hundreds of people are injured in crashes because a driver failed to move over and slow down for an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, the Illinois State Police says. Illinois's Move Over Law, known as Scott's Law, tells you what to do when you see flashing lights, and it changed on January 1, 2026. Here is what it requires, which vehicles it covers and what a violation can cost, from the Illinois State Police.
The short answer
When you approach an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, reduce your speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution. Since January 1, 2026, that applies whether the emergency vehicle is stationary or not, and you must also yield to emergency workers or pedestrians involved in an emergency scene.
What the Illinois Move Over Law says
The Move Over Law, also known as Scott's Law in Illinois, requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated, the Illinois State Police says. It is part of the Illinois Vehicle Code: Section 11-907(c) covers approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or emergency scene when the vehicle is displaying oscillating, rotating or flashing lights.
Beginning January 1, 2026, drivers must yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights, whether stationary or not, the ISP says. The ISP brochure cites 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c-5): the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any authorized emergency vehicle obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway, whether stationary or not, and displaying flashing lights. For the exact wording, read Section 11-907 on the Illinois General Assembly website.
From the Illinois State Police, "Move Over/Scott's Law" and the ISP Move Over Law brochure, read October 27, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
What to do when you see flashing lights
The Illinois State Police brochure sums it up as: if it's flashing, move over. Drivers should:
Reduce your speed
Slow down as you approach the emergency vehicle or scene.
Change lanes if possible
Move over, away from the emergency vehicle, when you can do it safely.
Proceed with due caution
Pass carefully and stay alert for people and equipment at the scene.
Yield to people at the scene
Drivers must also yield to emergency workers or any pedestrian directly involved in an emergency scene.
From the Illinois State Police Move Over Law brochure and "Move Over/Scott's Law" page, read October 27, 2026.
Which vehicles Scott's Law covers
The Illinois State Police lists vehicles that can legally display these lights as including, but not limited to, police, fire, construction, highway maintenance, tow and ambulance vehicles. Its brochure says the law applies to all authorized emergency vehicles, stationary or not, displaying flashing, oscillating lights, such as police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and commercial trucks and cars, including tow trucks and road repair vehicles.
Under Scott's Law, an authorized emergency vehicle includes any vehicle authorized by law to be equipped with oscillating, rotating or flashing lights under Section 12-215 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, while the owner or operator of the vehicle is engaged in official duties, the ISP brochure says. Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, road workers and tow truck drivers risk their lives working to make the roads safer, the ISP says.
From the Illinois State Police, "Move Over/Scott's Law" and the ISP Move Over Law brochure, read October 27, 2026.
Scott's Law penalties
The Illinois State Police lists these penalties:
| Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First violation | $250 to $10,000 fine |
| Second or subsequent violation | $750 to $10,000 fine |
| Violation damages another vehicle | Class A misdemeanor; driver's license suspension of 90 days to 1 year |
| Violation injures another person | Class 4 felony; driver's license suspension of 180 days to 2 years |
| Violation results in a death | Class 4 felony; driver's license suspension of 2 years |
From the Illinois State Police, "Move Over/Scott's Law," Penalties, read October 27, 2026. The ISP lists the felony for a violation that results in the injury or death of another person.
Why it is called Scott's Law
Scott's Law is named after Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000, the Illinois State Police says. The ISP brochure says he was struck and killed while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
From the Illinois State Police, "Move Over/Scott's Law" and the ISP Move Over Law brochure, read October 27, 2026.
Routine checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. It is a general vehicle checkup; book it any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Illinois Move Over Law FAQ
What is Scott's Law in Illinois?
Scott's Law is Illinois's Move Over Law. The Illinois State Police says it requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle with emergency lights activated. It is part of the Illinois Vehicle Code, Section 11-907.
What do I have to do when I see flashing emergency lights?
The Illinois State Police brochure says to reduce your speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution. Drivers must also yield to any pedestrian directly involved in an emergency scene.
Does the Move Over Law apply if the emergency vehicle is moving?
Yes, as of January 1, 2026. The Illinois State Police says drivers must yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights, whether stationary or not.
Which vehicles does Scott's Law cover?
The ISP lists police, fire, construction, highway maintenance, tow and ambulance vehicles among those that can legally display these lights. Its brochure adds commercial trucks and cars, including tow trucks and road repair vehicles, and says the law covers any vehicle authorized by law to have oscillating, rotating or flashing lights while its owner or operator is engaged in official duties.
What is the fine for violating Scott's Law?
Per the Illinois State Police: $250 to $10,000 for a first violation and $750 to $10,000 for a second or later violation. It is a Class A misdemeanor if the violation damages another vehicle and a Class 4 felony if it injures or kills another person.
Can my license be suspended under Scott's Law?
Yes. The ISP lists a suspension of 90 days to 1 year if another vehicle is damaged, 180 days to 2 years if another person is injured, and 2 years if there is a death.
Who was Scott's Law named after?
Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000 while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway, according to the Illinois State Police.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Move Over Law details are from the Illinois State Police website and its Move Over Law brochure, read October 27, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Move Over/Scott's Law (law overview, January 1, 2026 change, penalties, history), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- Scott's Law: The Move Over Law (brochure PDF), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026