An increase in Scott’s Laws violations in 2019 has led to stronger penalties for 2020.
Named after Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash scene, Scott’s Law requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down for any stopped emergency vehicle or any vehicle with flashing lights.
Earlier this week, the Illinois State Police reported 27 trooper squad cars have been hit in 2019. Three state troopers, Brooke Jones-Story, Christopher Lambert and Gerald Ellis, were fatally injured.
As of Dec. 16, 2019, 6,272 violations have been recorded in comparison to 2018 when less than 1,000 violations were recorded.
On Jan. 1, 2020, the minimum fine for violating the law, otherwise known as the Move Over Law, will be increased from $100 to $250. A second violation will carry a $750 fee. Each subsequent violation will add $250 to the previous fee.
Those who violate Scott’s Law and cause damage to another vehicle will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and those that cause injury or death will be charged with a Class 4 felony.
The penalties will go into a Scott’s Law fund, which will be devoted to producing driver’s educational materials.
The Illinois Secretary of State will also be required to include at least one question about Scott’s Law on the driver’s test.
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