Texas adds TxDOT protection to Move Over/Slow Down law

(Photo: TxDOT)(Photo: TxDOT)

Beginning September 1, drivers in Texas will be required to move over or slow down when approaching Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) workers and vehicles that are stopped with overhead flashing blue or amber lights.

That’s because the state has expanded its Move Over/Slow Down law to provide protection to TxDOT workers. The law traditionally requires drivers to yield to police, fire and emergency vehicles.

With the new protections, drivers approaching TxDOT workers or vehicles will have to move out of the lane closest to the workers and vehicles when possible or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. When multiple lanes are not available drivers must reduce their speed. When the posted limit is 25 mph or less, drivers are required to reduce their speed to 5 mph.

Drivers who violate the Move Over/Slow Down law can be fined up to $2,000.