Texas DPS, Neighboring States Team Up for Roadside Operation

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety is joining law enforcement agencies from four neighboring states in a one-day enhanced enforcement operation Wednesday aimed at increasing awareness and compliance with Move Over, Slow Down laws.

The joint initiative, which runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 14, involves state police from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma in addition to Texas. Troopers will focus on drivers who fail to yield or reduce speed near emergency vehicles on the roadside.

“Too many law enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs along the side of the road,” said DPS Director Col. Freeman F. Martin. “This multi-state operation is about saving lives—ours and yours.”

According to DPS, since Nov. 1, 2017, there have been 142 crashes involving stopped DPS patrol units, resulting in 46 Trooper injuries and two deaths.

Texas law requires drivers to either move out of the lane closest to stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights or slow down by at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. The law applies to law enforcement, fire and EMS vehicles, as well as TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks, and certain utility and roadside assistance vehicles.

First-time violators can face fines up to $1,250. If bodily injury occurs as a result of non-compliance, drivers may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by jail time and fines up to $4,000.

Late last year, Governor Greg Abbott released a public service announcement on Move Over, Slow Down. View Governor Greg Abbott’s Move Over or Slow Down PSA here.