DPS PLANNING MOVE OVER/SLOW DOWN OPERATION WEDNESDAY
The Texas Department of Public Safety is preparing another enforcement operation of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.
DPS troopers will be conducting a Move Over/Slow Down operation in the Bryan District throughout tomorrow (Wednesday). The Department of Transportation will be participating in a non-enforcement capacity.
These enforcement operations are planned periodically by DPS throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned this month.
Originally passed in 2003, the law requires drivers to either move over or slow down when certain vehicles are stopped on the side of the road with their emergency lights on. Those include vehicles belonging to police, fire, EMS, TxDOT, or tow trucks.
Specifically, the law says drivers need to either vacate the lane closest to the vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down 20 mph below the speed limit. Drivers should only move over if they can do so legally and safely; otherwise, they should slow down.
Violators could be fined up to $200, or up to $500 if there is property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.
Data from last year shows DPS issued more than 41,000 warnings and citations to drivers violating the law. Preliminary data this year shows approximately 14,300 warnings and citations have been issued.
This shouldn’t be a problem for 290 everybody already drives in the left lane!!!
I am very glad for this. I wish they would do the same for the on ramps. There are too many that will not move over for vehicles coming off the on ramps on to the interstates when there are no vehicles next to them. They pay absolutely no attention. Its dangerous as well due to the lack of attention and people get rear ended or ran off the roads. Lack of respect and consideration is rampant in society period.
How true about trying to enter ….especially at 36 N the first ramp after leaving HEB. These drivers will not move over & yes some are 18wheelers. Then if you are trying to take first exit to R which is Blinn College you better look immediately to your R cause it has a Yield & most fail to yield. You have the exit traffic tailgating you as well.
Dangerous and yes not driving the speed limit. The only thing that could stop the non Yield would be a caution blinking lite. Excessive speed, no courtesy moving over so you can enter & likely on the phone or texting. Believe me I travel this often & yes I’m cautious. Maybe Texas Highway Dept. will read these comments & replies. I hope so.
I think its pretty sad that this has to be a law. People are in too much of a rush these days,and have no common courtesy
It’s about time, I don’t agree with the advance warning, but I do agree with the enforcement. It’s nothing short of stupidity that people have to be informed of this. SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER INSTEAD OF TRYING TO BE FIRST.
great law,, but people are not paying attention to what is around them,,or they don’t care.
like people drive by a road sign that states “left for passing only” and they are out there as nothing is going on.