Task Force to Crack Down on Move Over/Slow Down Violators

AMARILLO – It may not be in the Concho Valley today, but the law still applies everywhere in Texas.  

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Amarillo Police Department, and Potter County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint task force on Thursday, April 13, to increase enforcement of the Move Over/Slow Down law. Enforcement efforts will be focused on the major roads in Potter County.

 The Move Over/Slow Down law requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.  These vehicles include police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles, and tow trucks.

 Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either:

• Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction), or 

·        Slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph.)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should only reduce speed.

Violators could face a fine of up to $200, increasing to $500 if there is property damage. Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2000.

 Police officers, emergency personnel, tow truck drivers, and TxDOT workers are more vulnerable on the side of the road and are at a greater risk of being struck by passing motorists. Remember – move over or slow down