The Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane for any emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

This protects firefighters, police officers and maintenance workers during the course of their duties.

Everyday Examples
• You are traveling on the interstate and you see an accident scene with emergency vehicle flashing its lights. You, as the motorist, must change lanes and reduce your speed to pass the emergency vehicle safely.
• You see that the right lane or shoulder is blocked by emergency equipment. If it's clear to change lanes to your left, you must do so. If, in the same scenario, you cannot change lanes because of vehicular traffic in the lane next to you, slow down to a speed that will make your vehicle safe as you pass the emergency vehicles. Keep in mind that each situation presents its own dangers.

Violation Examples
• Failure to reduce speed or change lanes when you see a police officer on a traffic stop on the shoulder of the roadway.
• Failure to reduce speed or change lanes when coming upon a temporary work zone with maintenance vehicles.

The Penalties
• If found guilty of an offense, you can be fined a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $10,000.
• If the violation includes damage to vehicles or another person, your driving privileges will be suspended from 90 days to two years depending on the severity of the injuries and if you are a repeat offender.

Please remember to drive safe and pay attention to what is going on around you when driving. Avoid distractions that may lead to accidents and traffic violations. Proceed with caution around emergency vehicles and in work zones.

The Move Over Law is officially titled, "Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles" (625 ILCS 5/11-907 (c)) under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

http://www.illinoistollway.com/state-police/public-information/move-over-law