By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – While Illinois State Police publicize Scott’s Law – the “move over” law – a state representative is carrying a bill to weaken the penalty for violating it.

14 drivers have hit state police cars along roadsides in violation of the law just in 2019. That’s almost twice last year’s total — eight for all of 2018. The state police director says there’s no common denominator other than distracted driving.

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) says making the law — in cases where there is no collision — one in which violators do not make a mandatory court appearance would lead to more tickets being written. But acting state police director Brendan Kelly says ticketing is up so far this year more than double: 494 so far this year, compared to 184 at this point of 2018.

Butler’s bill, which passed the House last year, would reduce the penalty from “not less than $100” to “not more than $75” to drop the “must appear” component.

Says Kelly: “I can’t see how lowering it would be helpful.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]