To The Leader

BEAUMONT – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will begin conducting periodic special enforcement patrols throughout the year to enhance roadway safety by focusing on our state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. During specific time periods in various locations throughout the Beaumont area, Troopers will increase their focus on locating drivers who violate the Texas law requiring motorists to move over a lane or slow down when passing certain vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their emergency lights activated.

Drivers passing stopped police, fire, ambulance vehicles, tow trucks, and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles (with emergency light activated) must move out of the lane closest to the vehicle or reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. The law provides extra protection for first responders and workers doing their jobs in dangerous conditions.

Violations of the Move Over/Slow Down law can result in a $500 fine and drivers causing bodily injury may be charged with a class B misdemeanor.