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Local Law Enforcement to Focus on Move Over/Slow Down Law
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office along with The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is beginning enforcement efforts across Montgomery County focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. This enforcement operation will take place in Montgomery County on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
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.
Texas Transportation Code 545.157 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.
Source: Lieutenant Scott Spencer, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Executive Division
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