Texas – As Memorial Day approaches, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is ramping up efforts to ensure road safety across the state. From May 12 through May 26, the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will focus on enforcing seatbelt laws and encouraging safe driving behaviors as part of its annual All-American enforcement campaign.
“Our top priority is saving lives on Texas roads,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “As Memorial Day approaches, we’re stepping up enforcement to ensure drivers are buckled up, attentive, and following the law. These efforts help protect families and prevent tragedy.”
This increased enforcement is part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a program aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities. During DPS’ 2024 All-American enforcement campaign, officers issued more than 122,361 citations and warnings. This included over 8,462 speeding violations, 601 seat belt violations, 2,752 infractions for driving without insurance, and 579 felony and fugitive arrests.
In addition to seatbelt enforcement, DPS is reminding drivers to comply with the Move Over or Slow Down law. Texas law requires drivers to either vacate the lane closest to emergency vehicles or slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. If the speed limit is below 25 mph, drivers must slow down to 5 mph. Violating this law could result in a misdemeanor charge, with fines up to $1,250. Fines can increase for repeat offenders, and if the violation results in bodily injury, it can lead to a state jail felony charge.
DPS is committed to ensuring safe roads for all Texans and urges drivers to follow all safety laws to help prevent accidents and save lives this Memorial Day weekend.
