EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is partnering with regional law-enforcement counterparts to crack down on drivers who don’t observe “Move Over, Slow Down” laws.
DPS will partner with Arkansas State Police, Louisiana State Police, New Mexico State Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to conduct a joint one-day enhanced enforcement operation this week.
The effort will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, DPS said.
“DPS is proud to join with our neighbors to raise awareness of the importance of ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ laws in our respective states,” Texas DPS Col. Freeman F. Martin said. “Too many law-enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs along the side of the road. This multi-state operation is about saving lives — ours and yours. If you see flashing lights, do what’s right: move over or slow down.”
Since Nov. 1, 2017, Texas DPS has had 142 crashes involving stationary DPS patrol vehicles, resulting in 46 trooper injuries and two trooper deaths, the agency said.
Texas’ “Move Over or Slow Down” law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights activated, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), tow trucks and other vehicles.
Specifically, Texas drivers must either vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Remember: you should only move over if you can do so safely and legally. If you cannot move over, slow down.
Violators face up to a $1,250 fine for the first offense. Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and up to a $4,000 fine.
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