Highway Patrol to increase enforcement of move over or slow down law

Photo courtesy Texas Department of Public Safety.

ELLIS COUNTY – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers this week will be working in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation in Ellis County to enhance enforcement of the "Move Over/Slow Down" law on various roadways. The "Texas Move Over/ Slow Down Law" requires drivers nearing stopped emergency vehicles – with activated lights – to either slow down or change lanes.

The law states that drivers must slow down to 20 miles below the speed limit or vacate the lane. (If the speed limit is below 25 miles per hour, the driver must slow down to 5 miles per hour).

Emergency vehicles include police, emergency medical service, fire vehicles, tow trucks and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles.

Individuals who violate this traffic law could face a maximum fine of $200. If the violation results in property damage, the maximum fine increases to $500. If the violation results in bodily injury, the offense is enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor.