Drivers must obey “Move Over or Slow Down” law
As paving on FM3227 begins this week, drivers are reminded to keep road workers safe. The Texas Department of Transportation issued a statement this week to urge drivers to abide by the state’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law.
Strengthened in 2023, the law can penalize drivers who cause serious injuries to law enforcement officers, first responders and road crews up to $1,250 for a first offense. High speed and distracted drivers could face jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.
According to the Tx-DOT statement, many of these essential workers are injured or killed on the job.
Most drivers know to pull over for first responders driving behind or toward them, but Texas law also requires motorists to move over— putting a lane between them and roadside workers — or slow their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders and TxDOT vehicles stopped with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.
The law requires drivers to:
• Be on alert and pay attention when approaching roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights on.
• When possible, move out of the lane closest to these vehicles.
• Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if safely switching lanes is not possible or the road doesn’t offer multiple lanes.
• Reduce speed to 5 mph on roadways with a posted speed limit of 25 mph or less.
The state’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law was first passed in 2003 and applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles. The Texas Legislature has since extended the law’s protections to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and wordof- mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths.
