SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this year, three Illinois officers were struck by cars within 24 hours after drivers chose to ignore the “Move Over” law. To help combat the rising number of officer injuries and deaths by vehicle, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a new law to enhance Scott’s Law penalties.

“This law should be common sense, yet every day dozens of people are breaking it and putting the lives of officers at risk,” Morrison said. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for some people, so we’re going to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear – and that’s by requiring people to give up their free time to do community service work.”

Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down their cars, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. During a 19-day period earlier this year, the Illinois State Police issued 1,340 tickets to people breaking Scott’s Law.

Under current statute, a person who violates Scott’s Law will be fined between $250 to $10,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second. The amount is determined by a judge.

Under the new law, a judge may also issue the violator a term of community service work on top of the fine.

“Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed simply for doing their jobs,” Morrison said. “We must ensure no other family has to endure the pain of a call that says their loved one was run down while protecting their community.”

Senate Bill 1913 takes effect Thursday.