Lake County Gazette

State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Arlington Heights) is celebrating that judges can now impose community service – in addition to fines - to motorists who violate Scott's Law.

Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on.

“Scott’s Law should be common sense, yet everyday dozens of people are breaking it and putting officers at risk,” Morrison posted on Facebook. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for people, so we need to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear. Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed simply for doing their jobs.”

Up until now, the law only required a fine to be determined by a judge of anywhere from $250 to $10,000 for first offenses, with penalties for second offenses starting at $750.

Morrison’s bill requires violators to have to complete community service work as part of their penalty.

During a three-week period earlier this year, Illinois State Police issued 1,340 tickets to people violating the law.