EL PASO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with several partner agencies issued nearly 100 violations as part of an enhanced enforcement operation focused on the state’s Move Over or Slow Down and distracted driving laws. The operation took place Oct. 16 through 18 in El Paso Co.
The three-day operation included the El Paso Police Department (EPPD), the El Paso Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) and El Paso County Constable office and focused on reducing crashes in school zones as well as along major roads in the area. In total, participating officers issued 63 cell phone and 30 Move Over or Slow Down violations.
Move Over or Slow Down
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights activated including law enforcement, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), tow trucks and other vehicles.
Specifically, Texas drivers must either vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Remember: you should only move over if you can do so safely and legally. If you cannot move over, slow down.
Violators of the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law can face up to a $1,250 fine for the first offense. Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and up to a $4,000 fine.
Distracted Driving
According to TxDOT, nearly 1 in 6 crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver in 2023. Of those crashes, 399 people lost their life and more than 2,790 were seriously injured.
Texting while driving is illegal in Texas and any use of a mobile device while in a school zone is prohibited. Drivers under the age of 18 are always barred from using cell phones and other mobile devices while operating a vehicle. Fines for this violation are up to $200 plus court costs. Remember: keep your eyes on the road at all times when you’re behind the wheel and limit distractions like cell phones and other mobile devices. If you must use your cell phone or mobile device, pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop.
Texas has lost at least one person every day on our roads since Nov. 7, 2000. By following the state’s Move Over or Slow Down and distracted driving laws, we can ensure that everyone gets home safely and that we are doing our part to #EndTheStreakTX.
Right now, DPS is also partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation, handing out safety fliers to drivers who receive warnings when they are pulled over by DPS Troopers. Read more about this important safety effort here.
### (DPS - West Texas Region)