What Drivers Need To Know About Illinois’ Expanded Scott’s Law in 2026

One of the most important, and too often overlooked, traffic laws in Illinois was expanded as of January 1, 2026. Here are the changes every driver needs to be aware of.

Illinois' Scott's Law

Often referred to as the Move Over law, Scott's Law requires drivers to slow down and move over to the next lane whenever they come upon emergency or authorized vehicles with flashing lights parked on the side of an Illinois road.

Every single day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS crews, tow truck drivers, and road workers put themselves inches away from fast-moving traffic to help others, and every year, hundreds of people are injured because a driver failed to follow Scott's Law. This is unacceptable. This is also one of the reasons Scott's Law has been expanded in Illinois for 2026.

New Scott's Law Expansion in Illinois

Since the Move Over Law was enacted in Illinois in 2002, the law has gone through some changes, with the most recent expansion going into effect on January 1, 2026.

The Illinois State Police website says:

Beginning January 1, 2026, drivers must yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights, whether stationary or not. Drivers must also yield to emergency workers or a pedestrian involved in an emergency scene.

Just so we're all clear, Illinois' new Scott's Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for all moving or parked emergency vehicles, and all people involved in an emergency roadway situation. Regardless if they are on foot or in a vehicle.

Violating Scott’s Law in Illinois isn’t just dangerous, it's costly too. Fines range from $250 to $10,000 for first offenders, and if someone is injured or killed, you will be charged with a Class 4 felony and have your driver's license suspended.

The bottom line is this: slow down, move over, and pay attention at all times when you are behind the wheel. A few seconds of caution will save lives, maybe even yours.