Citing the number of police cruisers struck by passing cars during traffic stops, Houston police officers are beginning a crackdown on motorists ignoring the state’s “move over or slow down” law.
Starting today and running through Sunday, July 18, officers from the Houston Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Division will be “actively educating” motorists about the state’s “Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle” law, commonly known as the “Move Over or Slow Down” law.
Beginning today, Houston Police officers will be actively ticketing drivers who ignore the law.
Under Texas traffic laws, motorists approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with its emergency signals operating are required to either vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if a lane is available or slow to a speed no more than 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. When the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less, the driver must slow down to five miles per hour.
“Many motorists are unfamiliar with this law and we need to educate them,” HPD Traffic Enforcement Division Lt. Mike Hoesel said. “It is imperative motorists understand this law and what it means for officer safety.”
A violation of the law is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $1 to $200 fine. It is upgraded to a Class B misdemeanor if someone is injured.
