Illinois Move-Over Law

What Illinois requires

Illinois calls it Scott's Law, and it is the one to respect. Move over a lane for any stopped vehicle running emergency or warning lights — police, fire, EMS, tow trucks, highway and construction crews — or slow to a reasonable speed if you can't. A first offense starts at $250 and can reach $10,000, a second at $750. Damage another vehicle and it's a misdemeanor; injure or kill someone and it's a felony with a license suspension (625 ILCS 5/11-907).

Who you move over for, and the fallback

• Move over for: Stationary authorized emergency and service vehicles displaying flashing lights — police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, highway maintenance, and construction vehicles. As of 2026 it also reaches highway work vehicles whether stopped or moving, plus workers and pedestrians at emergency scenes. It does not cover a private disabled vehicle showing only hazard flashers.
• If you can't move over: On a road with four or more lanes, change into a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle if it is safe. If you can't, slow to a speed that is reasonable and proper for traffic conditions.
• Correction to some national guides: the statute covers vehicles running emergency/warning lights, not a private disabled car with only hazard flashers. A 2026 amendment (P.A. 104-400, eff. 6-1-26) extended it to highway work vehicles whether stopped or moving and to workers and pedestrians at emergency scenes.

What a violation costs

Scott's Law. First offense $250 to $10,000; second or later $750 to $10,000, plus a $250 Scott's Law Fund contribution and court costs. Damaging another vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor. Injuring or killing a person is a Class 4 felony, with a license suspension of 180 days to 2 years.

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