Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is set to increase patrols across the state beginning this weekend as part of its annual Distracted Driving traffic enforcement campaign. From April 7 through April 14, Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will intensify its focus on drivers who are texting, failing to Move Over or Slow Down for emergency vehicles, or otherwise distracted while behind the wheel.
The initiative, part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), is a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing crashes and raising awareness about roadway safety. DPS officials emphasized that the heightened enforcement is driven by a growing concern over distracted drivers endangering roadside personnel.
“We’ve seen an alarming rise in incidents where our Troopers are being struck while working roadside—often due to distracted driving,” said DPS Director Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Distracted driving is not just dangerous, it’s deadly. For the safety of all Texans, we urge every driver to stay alert, put the phone down, and give the road your full attention.”
In 2024, DPS issued over 67,000 citations and warnings during the campaign. These included more than 4,800 speeding violations, 303 seat belt and child safety seat violations, 1,630 citations for driving without insurance, and 345 felony and fugitive arrests.
A key focus of this year’s enforcement will be compliance with Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to either vacate the lane closest to emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadside (if safe to do so), or slow down by 20 mph below the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is below 25 mph, drivers must slow to 5 mph.
Violations of this law are treated seriously. A first offense may result in a fine of up to $1,250. Repeat violations or those causing bodily injury can escalate to a state jail felony.
DPS urges all drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety not only during the enforcement campaign but at all times. Authorities are reminding the public that distracted driving is not just a ticketable offense—it can be life-threatening, especially for those working to keep Texas roads safe.
