SPRINGFIELD - Penalties for Illinois drivers who don't slow down and change lanes for a parked emergency vehicle could get a little softer under legislation awaiting action by Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Now, drivers who don't slow down and move over for a police car or firetruck can be ticketed and find their licenses suspended for three months.

The penalties come under "Scott's Law," named for Chicago Fire Department Lt. Scott Gillen, who was killed while assisting on a traffic stop.

Lawmakers voted this year to change penalties for Scott's Law so violators don't get their licenses suspended, unless they hit a car or hurt someone on the side of the road. It's up to Blagojevich whether to approve the change or veto it.

Drivers still would be ticketed at a cost of at least $100.

Illinois State Police spokesman Brian Ley said police take the law seriously but thought a license suspension might be too harsh for a law many people don't know about.

"The penalty is pretty severe," he said.

Last year, state police cited 3,738 drivers with Scott's Law and cited 1,212 people this year through April 30.

The legislation is Senate Bill 2713.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.