What Driving Situation Does Texas’ ‘Move Over’ Law Deal With?
When you’re driving in Texas, you’re expected to follow traffic laws that keep not only you safe but also the people working along the road. One of the most important — yet sometimes overlooked — rules is the Texas “Move Over/Slow Down” law.
This law deals with how drivers must react when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility trucks, and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights.
Failure to follow it can result in serious fines — and even more tragically, it can lead to devastating accidents that injure or kill first responders, roadside workers, or other drivers.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the law says, why it exists, common situations where it applies, and what to do if you or a loved one is injured by a driver who failed to follow it.
Understanding Texas’ Move Over/Slow Down Law
Texas Transportation Code §545.157 — commonly known as the “Move Over/Slow Down” law — was first passed in 2003 and has been expanded several times since.
At its core, the law requires drivers to either move over a lane or slow down significantly when approaching certain vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights.
This includes:
Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances
Tow trucks and wreckers
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles
Utility and service vehicles
Waste or garbage trucks
Any stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights
What Driving Situation Does the Law Apply To?
The law applies specifically when you are driving near stopped or parked vehicles with flashing emergency or warning lights activated.
For example:
You see a police officer on the shoulder pulling someone over.
A fire truck or ambulance is responding to an emergency.
A tow truck is loading a disabled vehicle.
A utility worker’s truck is parked with lights flashing while crews repair power lines.
A garbage truck is stopped to collect trash along the street.
In each of these driving situations, you must take action: either move over to a lane farther away or slow down to a safer speed.
What Are the Rules Drivers Must Follow?
Texas law gives drivers two clear options depending on the situation:
Move Over: If it’s safe and possible, change lanes to give the stopped vehicle extra space.
Slow Down: If you cannot safely change lanes, you must reduce your speed by at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit (or slow to 5 mph if the limit is already 25 mph or lower).
This applies whether you are on a highway, city street, or rural road.
Why Does the Move Over Law Exist?
Roadside workers and first responders face enormous risks when performing their jobs. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), dozens of law enforcement officers and hundreds of roadside workers nationwide are struck and killed every year by passing vehicles.
The law exists to:
Protect first responders and workers from distracted or reckless drivers.
Reduce secondary crashes caused by vehicles swerving too close to emergency scenes.
Create predictable behavior for drivers approaching roadside stops.
Put simply: the law is about saving lives.
Penalties for Violating Texas’ Move Over Law
Failing to comply can lead to steep fines and legal consequences.
Basic violation: Fine of up to $200
If property damage occurs: Fine of up to $500
If injury occurs: Class B misdemeanor, which can mean up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000
In addition to fines and possible jail time, a driver may also face civil liability if their violation causes injury or wrongful death.
Common Situations Where Drivers Break the Law
Even though the Move Over law has been in place for more than two decades, many drivers either forget it exists or simply ignore it. Common mistakes include:
Failing to slow down when unable to change lanes
Speeding past a tow truck operator loading a car
Passing a police car on the shoulder without moving over
Ignoring utility crews working with flashing lights
Treating garbage trucks like ordinary slow-moving vehicles instead of stopped service vehicles
Unfortunately, these mistakes put lives at risk.
Dangers of Ignoring the Move Over Law
When drivers fail to follow this law, the results can be catastrophic. Roadside workers, first responders, and stranded drivers are left exposed to vehicles traveling at highway speeds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 60 emergency responders are killed annually across the U.S. by vehicles failing to slow down or move over. Hundreds more sustain life-changing injuries.
In Texas, local news reports frequently highlight tragic crashes where drivers struck officers or tow truck operators who were simply trying to do their jobs.
What to Do If You’re Hurt by a Driver Who Violated the Law
If you or a loved one is struck because another driver failed to move over or slow down, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Steps to take after such an accident:
Get medical help immediately.
Report the crash to police and ensure details about the driver’s violation are included.
Collect evidence, including photos, videos, and witness statements.
Contact a Texas personal injury lawyer who understands the Move Over law and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
An experienced attorney can investigate whether the driver violated Texas Transportation Code §545.157 and build a strong case on your behalf.
Carrollton Injury Law: Putting Personal Back Into Personal Injury
At Carrollton Injury Law, we know the risks first responders, tow operators, utility workers, and drivers face when others don’t respect roadside safety.
If you or a family member has been hurt by a driver who ignored the Move Over/Slow Down law, our team can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
We put personal back into personal injury law by listening to your story, guiding you step by step through the legal process, and fighting for your rights.
Don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the stronger your claim may be.
FAQ: Texas Move Over/Slow Down Law
What is the Texas Move Over law?
It’s a rule requiring drivers to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or service vehicles stopped with flashing lights.
Does the law apply only on highways?
No. It applies on all Texas roads, including highways, city streets, and rural areas.
What speed should I drive if I can’t move over?
You must reduce your speed by at least 20 mph below the posted limit, or to 5 mph if the posted limit is 25 mph or less.
Which vehicles are covered under the law?
Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, TxDOT vehicles, utility trucks, and garbage trucks with flashing lights.
What are the penalties for breaking the law?
Fines up to $200 for a basic violation, up to $500 if property damage occurs, and possible jail time if someone is injured.
Can I file a claim if I was injured because someone ignored the law?
Yes. You may pursue a personal injury case against the negligent driver to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Conclusion
Texas’ Move Over/Slow Down law deals with one critical driving situation: what you must do when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights.
By moving over or slowing down, you help protect the lives of first responders, roadside workers, and stranded drivers — and you protect yourself from serious legal consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured because someone ignored this law, Carrollton Injury Law is here to help. We’ll stand by your side and guide you in pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
