Cover photo sourced from the Illinois State Police.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) reminds drivers across Illinois of an important roadway safety rule: when you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down and move over.

Illinois’ Move Over Law, sometimes referred to as “Scott’s Law,” applies to a wide range of roadside workers. Among those roadside workers are emergency responders, tow and recovery operators, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway personnel, and construction workers. 

ISP reports that so far in the year 2026 alone, Illinois has seen 9 Scott’s Law violations resulting in car crashes as well as 2 troopers who sustained injuries due to a Scott’s Law violation. State Police hope that bill recently signed into law by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will make drivers think twice before ignoring regulations. 

Drivers who fail to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles and cause the injury or death of another person originally were charged with a class 4 felony and their driver’s license would be suspended. Now, their license would be completely revoked.

The law requires drivers to slow down and move over for authorized emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights while working on the roadway ahead. Importantly, those vehicles do not have to be stationary for the law to apply.

Drivers are required to take the same precautions whether the emergency vehicle is stopped or moving. The law also protects workers operating non-emergency vehicles with their hazard lights activated. Drivers approaching these vehicles are required to slow down and move over when possible, as well.

The purpose of the law is to give roadside workers and emergency responders additional space and time to safely perform their jobs while reducing the risk of crashes involving passing traffic. ISP encourages drivers to stay alert, watch for flashing or hazard lights, and be prepared to change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching vehicles stopped or working along the roadway.

A few seconds of slowing down and moving over can make a major difference for the people working just feet away from traffic. When you see flashing lights on the roadside, remember to slow down and move over. 

More information on the Illinois State Police can be found at isp.illinois.gov.

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