What Is a Scott’s Law Violation in Illinois?

 Posted on March 27, 2025 in Personal Injury

On March 20th, 2025, the fourth Scott’s Law violation of the year resulted in an Illinois State Trooper in Itasca being injured. The trooper was in his patrol car while responding to a collision on a ramp heading from I-290 to I-390. The parked police car was on the road’s shoulder with emergency lights flashing when a Saturn hit it. The trooper and the Saturn’s driver were hurt and taken to local hospitals. The Saturn’s driver was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision, operating an uninsured vehicle, and a Scott’s Law violation.

Although the trooper was seated in his car in the March 20th collision, many other Scott’s Law violations involve officers or others who are outside their vehicles. Pedestrian accidents are very dangerous, often causing extremely serious or fatal injuries. If you are injured in a car or pedestrian accident, our dedicated Park Ridge, IL personal injury lawyer can help you get as much compensation as you deserve.

What Is Scott’s Law?

Many people do not know what Scott’s Law is or what violating it means. Named in memory of Scott Gillen, Scott’s Law is the Illinois version of a Move Over law intended to keep law enforcement officers, road construction workers, and others on the side of Illinois roads safe. Scott Gillen was a Chicago Fire Lieutenant who was hit by a drunk driver while working at the scene of an accident in December 2000. Scott’s Law requires drivers to do certain things if they approach a vehicle on the side of a road with flashing hazard or emergency lights:

• Slow down

• Proceed with caution

• Yield the right of way

• If possible, move to another lane that is not directly beside the stopped vehicle

When drivers do not follow this law, people can get hurt.

What Happens If Someone Violates Scott’s Law?

Pedestrian accidents can cause bad injuries even when the car is driving at a slow speed. In 2024, 27 violations of Scott’s Law killed a state trooper and injured 12 more. This law does not only apply to emergency vehicles. It also covers other stopped cars with their hazard or emergency lights flashing. In 2023, roadway construction zone accidents in Illinois caused serious injuries to six workers and killed another. Not every violation causes injuries, but many do.

If you are charged with a Scott’s Law violation, you could lose your driver’s license and have to pay fines. You could also face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit against you if your violation injures or kills someone.

What Should I Do If I Am Hurt in a Car Accident?

After dialing 911, take photos of everything you can at the accident scene. Let first responders give you a medical exam or go to a doctor as soon as you leave the scene. If someone else caused your accident, the next step is to contact our office. We can tell you if you can file a claim for compensation and give you more advice based on your situation.

Call Our Skilled Des Plaines, IL Car Accident Lawyer

At Quinn Law Group, LLC, we urge you to follow Scott’s Law to avoid causing an accident. If someone else injures you, our experienced Glenview, IL personal injury attorney can fight to maximize your compensation. Contact us online or call 847-232-7180 today to schedule your free consultation.