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Chicago’s Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers explain Amendment to “Scott’s Law”

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Firm News

Chicago’s Leading Criminal Defense Lawyers explain Amendment to “Scott’s Law.” A recent Amendment to Illinois law will beef up what is referred to as “Scott’s Law.” “Scotts Law” is also referred to as the “mover over law.” It is an important law because it applies to all residents of Illinois, whether or not they have any criminal history, as well as anyone who is driving in the State of Illinois.

The Bill number for this Amendment is HB5370. Here is the general explanation for this Amendment: “HB5370 requires drivers who are approaching an emergency scene or a stopped emergency vehicle, or a construction zone, must make a lane change to yield the right of way if it is possible. If not, the driver must reduce speed.”

The more complete explanation provided by the Illinois General Assembly is as follows:

“Requires that upon approaching an emergency scene, a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or a construction or maintenance area or zone, a person who drives a vehicle shall, proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change, 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 reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed that is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway to avoid a collision and leaving a safe distance until safely past the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, or construction or maintenance area or zone. Provides that if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed that is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway to avoid a collision, or until safely past the construction or maintenance area or zone.”

Accordingly, if you or someone you know is charge with violating Scott’s Law, feel free to contact us at Leonard Trial Lawyers to discuss potential representation.

Michael Leonard and Matthew Chivari

Leonard Trial Lawyers

January 16, 2025