New Hoffman Law Further Clarifies Move Over Rules for Drivers, Aims for Greater Safety

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – A new law led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, further expands Scott’s Law and requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and non-stationary vehicles dealing with an emergency scene on roadways.

“We’ve seen far too many preventable tragedies in recent years where first responders, tollway workers and others have been hit while on the side of the road or dealing with an emergency,”
Hoffman said. “Drivers need to avoid distractions, slow down, move over and proceed with caution while passing stopped vehicles and emergency scenes. If we don’t, we may find ourselves in a situation we will regret for the rest of our lives.”

Hoffman led passage of Senate Bill 1922, which expands and clarifies the state’s move over law to require drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians involved at a scene, as well as non-stationary emergency vehicles. Penalties vary by damage or injuries caused, but violators can face stiff fines, license suspension and criminal charges.

Scott’s Law is named in memory of Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was killed by an intoxicated driver in 2000 while assisting a crash scene on an expressway.

Senate Bill 1922 passed with bipartisan support and was recently signed into law.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.