TRAFFIC SAFETY INITIATIVE

Stricter Penalties for Move Over/Slow Down Law

Law enforcement, emergency workers, tow truck drivers, and TxDOT roadside employees often work just a few feet away from high-speed traffic. It is dangerous — even deadly — to drive next to first responders stopped on the side of a highway. Making a traffic stop, investigating a crash, or assisting a motorist are some of the most dangerous things first responders do. Since 2017, there have been 149 law enforcement officers killed in traffic-related incidents.

The Move Over/Slow Down law requires motorists to move over a lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a law enforcement, emergency, TxDOT, or utility vehicle or a tow truck with its flashing lights activated on the side of the road. Drivers must reduce their speed by 5 mph on a roadway with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.

Drivers who fail to give emergency and work crews space to safely do their jobs face fines of up to $2,000. Keep first responders and other workers safe on the road. Move over or slow down.

 Find more information on traffic safety at the websites for Texas Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration