MOVE OVER/SLOW DOWN OPERATION PLANNED FOR WEDNESDAY

  

The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing its enforcement efforts of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.

DPS troopers will be conducting a Move Over/Slow Down enforcement operation in the Bryan District throughout today (Wednesday). The Department of Transportation will be participating in a non-enforcement capacity.

These enforcement operations are planned by DPS throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned this month.

The law, originally passed in 2003, 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. If drivers cannot move over legally and safely, 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 could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in a maximum fine of $2,000 and possible jail time.

Last year, DPS issued more than 41,000 warnings and citations to drivers in violation of the law. Preliminary data this year shows approximately 12,300 warnings and citations have been issued.