Texas DPS and our neighboring states have agreed to unite for a major highway crackdown. Looking for violators who put our first-responders at risk.

Drivers across Texas and neighboring states will want to think twice before ignoring flashing lights on the side of the road this week. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is teaming up with law enforcement in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

The five states will join together as a powerful joint enforcement operation beginning on Wednesday, May 14, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. focused on cracking down on those motorists breaking the Move Over, Slow Down laws.

Multi-State Mission to Protect Lives

This one-day, high-visibility effort spans five states and targets drivers who fail to follow the Move Over or Slow Down laws, laws designed to protect law enforcement, emergency responders, and roadside workers.

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“Too many law enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs,” said Texas DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “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.”

The Texas Numbers Are Alarming

Since November 1, 2017, Texas DPS has recorded:

  • 142 crashes involving stopped patrol vehicles
  • 46 injuries to Troopers
  • 2 Trooper deaths

These numbers underscore the serious risks officers face while working roadside—and the urgency of this enforcement effort.

Know the Texas Law: Move Over or Slow Down

Texas law requires drivers to:

  • Vacate the lane closest to any emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, TxDOT, or utility vehicle with flashing lights
  • Slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit if moving over isn’t safe or legal

Violating this law could cost you:

  • Up to $1,250 for a first offense
  • Up to $4,000 and jail time if it causes injury (a Class A misdemeanor)

A Message from the Top

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the law’s importance in a public service announcement released last year, urging Texans to protect those who protect us by simply moving over or slowing down (as seen in the video below).

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