Illinois Expands Scott’s Law: What Drivers Need to Know in 2026

Illinois expanded Scott’s Law effective June 1, 2026. Learn what drivers must do when approaching emergency workers and roadside scenes.

Illinois drivers have long been required to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. That law is commonly known as Scott’s Law, or the Illinois Move Over Law.

Effective June 1, 2026, Illinois expanded Scott’s Law through Public Act 104-0400, strengthening protections for emergency workers and pedestrians directly involved in emergency scenes. The law amended Sections 6-206 and 11-907 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.

What Is Scott’s Law?

Scott’s Law requires drivers approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying warning lights to proceed with caution, reduce speed, and, when safe, change lanes away from the stopped vehicle.

The goal is simple: protect police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, highway workers, and others who may be working only feet away from moving traffic.

What Changed in 2026?

Public Act 104-0400 adds an important new requirement. Drivers must now yield the right-of-way to an emergency worker who is obviously and actually engaged in work upon a highway at an emergency scene. Drivers must also yield to any pedestrian on the highway who is directly involved in the emergency scene.

This expansion recognizes that emergency scenes are not limited to vehicles. Workers and pedestrians may be outside the vehicle, directing traffic, assisting injured persons, investigating a crash, clearing debris, or otherwise responding to the situation and they are now under the protections of the law rather than just the emergency vehicle itself.

What Should Drivers Do?

When approaching an emergency scene, drivers should:

Slow down immediately.

Move over when it is safe to do so.

Keep a safe distance from emergency vehicles, workers, and pedestrians.

Avoid distractions.

Be prepared for people to be standing or moving near the roadway.

If changing lanes is not possible or safe, the driver must still reduce speed and proceed with due caution.

Penalties for Violating Scott’s Law

Scott’s Law violations can carry serious penalties. Under Section 11-907, a first violation carries a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $10,000. A second or subsequent violation carries a fine of not less than $750 and not more than $10,000.

The consequences become much more serious if the violation causes damage, injury, or death. A violation resulting in damage to another vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor. A violation resulting in injury or death is a Class 4 felony.

The Secretary of State may also impose driver’s license consequences where a Scott’s Law violation results in injury or death, including mandatory suspension periods.

Why This Matters

Scott’s Law cases often turn on the facts of each specific case. The issues may include whether the emergency vehicle was properly displaying lights, whether the driver had a safe opportunity to change lanes, the driver’s speed, traffic conditions, roadway design, and whether the driver exercised due caution.

For motorists, the safest approach is straightforward: whenever you see emergency lights, a crash scene, roadside workers, or pedestrians involved in an emergency response, slow down, move over if possible, and proceed carefully.

Charged With a Scott’s Law Violation?

A Scott’s Law citation can be much more serious than an ordinary traffic ticket. Depending on the facts, it may carry significant fines, misdemeanor or felony exposure, and driver’s license consequences.

The Davis Law Group, P.C. represents drivers throughout Illinois in traffic, criminal traffic, DUI, and driver’s license matters. If you have been cited under Scott’s Law, it is important to understand your rights and options before appearing in court. Contact our traffic lawyers today for a free consultation.