SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) Director, Brendan F. Kelly, announces the ISP will conduct statewide enforcement details over the next several weeks to aggressively enforce violations of the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law”, and all distracted driving violations.
Troopers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ Move Over Law and distracted driving laws, especially the following:
- All drivers must change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The law also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers are required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.
- All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending, or receiving text messages or communication, and from browsing the internet.
- All drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic communication devices.
- Drivers under the age of 19 are prohibited from using any cellphone, even handsfree.
- All drivers are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free, while in school speed zones and work zones.
- School bus drivers are not permitted to use any type of cellphone, even handsfree.
- It is illegal to use a cellphone or take photos or videos on wireless devices when driving within 500 feet of an emergency scene.
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A person who violates the Move Over Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
Distracted driving violations are offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles and a person who violates a distracted driving law faces a fine up to $75 for a first offense. A person convicted of a distracted driving violation that results in serious injury or death will face penalties of not less than three years and up to six years in prison.
