Special to The News

BEAUMONT — The Texas Department of Public Safety has started enforcement across the state on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.

These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at various locations in Texas. One of those operations was under way in Jefferson County from 7-11 a.m. Wednesday and was scheduled to resume from 5-8 p.m. The DPS-led task force includes Beaumont Police Department and the Texas Department of Transportation.

An issued statement from DPS said TxDOT would participate in a non-enforcement capacity.

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles — including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks — are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.

“Our Highway Patrol Troopers and other offices risk their lives every day for the people of Texas, and their safety is particularly vulnerable while working on the side of the road, where the slightest mistake by a passing motorist can end in tragedy,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “While our officers are serving and protecting Texans, we’re asking drivers to do their part by adhering to the law — simply move over or slow down.”

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 to 20 mph below the 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 slow down.

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Preliminary data from 2017 shows DPS issued more than 10,650 warnings and citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law.