The Law

 (625 ILCS 5/11-907) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-907)

Sec. 11-907. Operation of vehicles and streetcars on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.

(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this Code or a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible or visual signal,

(1) the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and shall, if necessary to permit the safe passage of the emergency vehicle, stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer and

(2) the operator of every streetcar shall immediately stop such car clear of any intersection and keep it in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

(b) This Section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

(c) Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, blue, or red and blue lights or amber or yellow warning lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

(1) proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least 4 lanes with not less than 2 lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or

(2) proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.
As used in this subsection (c), "authorized emergency vehicle" includes any vehicle authorized by law to be equipped with oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights under Section 12-215 of this Code, while the owner or operator of the vehicle is engaged in his or her official duties.

(d) A person who violates subsection (c) of this Section commits a business offense punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $10,000. It is a factor in aggravation if the person committed the offense while in violation of Section 11-501 of this Code. Imposition of the penalties authorized by this subsection (d) for a violation of subsection (c) of this Section that results in the death of another person does not preclude imposition of appropriate additional civil or criminal penalties.

(e) If a violation of subsection (c) of this Section results in damage to the property of another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's driving privileges shall be suspended for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than one year.

(f) If a violation of subsection (c) of this Section results in injury to another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's driving privileges shall be suspended for a fixed period of not less than 180 days and not more than 2 years.

(g) If a violation of subsection (c) of this Section results in the death of another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's driving privileges shall be suspended for 2 years.

(h) The Secretary of State shall, upon receiving a record of a judgment entered against a person under subsection (c) of this Section:

(1) suspend the person's driving privileges for the mandatory period; or
(2) extend the period of an existing suspension by the appropriate mandatory period.

 

ISP Urges Drivers to Move Over, Slow Down for Tow Trucks

The "Move Over" Law, formerly called "Scott's Law," requires motorists to move over a lane if there is an emergency vehicle stopped with lights flashing and has been in effect since January 1, 2002.

This protects firefighters, police officers and maintenance workers during the course of their duties.

Everyday Examples

• You are traveling on the interstate and you see an accident scene with emergency vehicle flashing its lights. You, as the motorist, must change lanes and reduce your speed to pass the emergency vehicle safely.
  
  
• You see that the right lane or shoulder is blocked by emergency equipment. If it's clear to change lanes to your left, you must do so. If, in the same scenario, you cannot change lanes because of vehicular traffic in the lane next to you, slow down to a speed that will make your vehicle safe as you pass the emergency vehicles. Keep in mind that each situation presents its own dangers.
  
  

Violation Examples

• Failure to reduce speed or change lanes when you see a police officer on a traffic stop on the shoulder of the roadway.
  
  
• Failure to reduce speed or change lanes when coming upon a temporary work zone with maintenance vehicles.
  
  

The Penalties

• If found guilty of an offense, you can be fined a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $10,000.
  
  
• If the violation includes damage to vehicles or another person, your driving privileges will be suspended from 90 days to two years depending on the severity of the injuries and if you are a repeat offender.
  
  

Please remember to drive safe and pay attention to what is going on around you when driving. Avoid distractions that may lead to accidents and traffic violations. Proceed with caution around emergency vehicles and in work zones.