Mark Anderson | December 18, 2025 | Car Accidents
Most serious roadside injuries happen during ordinary drives, not reckless ones. A brief distraction or a moment of uncertainty near a stopped vehicle can put someone working on the shoulder in immediate danger. Texas lawmakers responded to this risk by setting clear expectations for how drivers must behave when they encounter roadside activity.
The Texas Move Over or Slow Down Law exists to reduce preventable injuries and deaths involving emergency responders, tow operators, and roadway workers. Keep reading to learn more.
Overview of the Texas Move Over or Slow Down Law
The Move Over or Slow Down Law requires drivers to take specific protective actions when approaching stationary vehicles with activated flashing lights on the roadside.
The law’s primary purpose is to create safe working conditions for the thousands of people who “work” along the sides of the road, which may include:
- Law enforcement officers
- Emergency responders
- Tow truck operators
- Utility workers
- Road construction workers
- Roadside maintenance workers
These roadside personnel operate just feet away from fast-moving traffic on a daily basis. The location of their work puts them at risk for serious injuries and fatal accidents.
Legal Requirements for Drivers Under the Move Over or Slow Down Law in Texas
The law applies to drivers traveling on roads with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction.
When a driver comes upon a protected vehicle with flashing lights, the driver must follow one of two options:
- Change lanes: If it can be done safely, the driver should move into the adjacent lane. This leaves the lane closest to the protected vehicle empty.
- Reduce speed: If making a safe lane change is not possible, the driver should slow down to a safe speed. The driver must reduce their speed to 5 mph when the speed limit is 25 mph or lower. If the speed limit exceeds 25 mph, the driver must reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
Drivers must follow these requirements unless specifically directed otherwise by a police officer. Failing to comply with the Move Over or Slow Down Law could result in penalties.
Protected Vehicles and Workers
The law extends protection to the following vehicles and personnel when displaying activated hazard lights or flashing signals:
- Law enforcement vehicles and personnel
- Authorized emergency vehicles
- Fire trucks and ambulances
- First responder vehicles
- Stationary tow trucks
- Utility service vehicles
- Highway maintenance and construction vehicles
- Municipal waste collection vehicles
- Tollway project vehicles
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and workers
- Animal control officer vehicles (as of September 1, 2025)
- Parking enforcement employee vehicles (as of September 1, 2025)
The inclusion of animal control and parking enforcement personnel represents an expansion of the law that took effect on September 1, 2025. The change reflects the number of workers who operate along Texas highways and city streets.
Penalties and Consequences for Violating the Move Over or Slow Down Law in Texas
Texas treats violations of the Move Over or Slow Down Law seriously. Penalties may increase based on the circumstances and outcomes of the violation.
Potential penalties for violating the Move Over or Slow Down Law include:
- First-time violations can result in a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $1,250.
- Violations resulting in property damage can result in a fine of up to $500.
- Violations resulting in bodily injury can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential jail time and a fine of up to $2,000. For a repeat offense, the charge may be increased to a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony, with a fine of up to $4,000 and potential jail time.
- Repeat offenses within five years can increase the statutory minimum fine, and courts may suspend the driver’s license for up to six months.
These penalty enhancements represent significant increases implemented over the past few years to strengthen roadside worker safety. Courts and law enforcement consider the specific speed thresholds mentioned above as legal requirements rather than guidelines when determining violations and assessing fault.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” traffic safety campaign and Crash Responder Safety Week initiatives highlight the state’s emphasis on enhanced compliance and driver awareness. The Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes that drivers should remain alert, avoid distractions, and slow down well in advance of reaching roadside scenes.
If you are injured in an accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin, you need prompt legal advice from a car accident attorney. It is essential to understand your legal options and rights, whether you are a roadside worker or an occupant of another vehicle. Contact Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers to learn more.
We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
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