Texas Move Over / Slow Down Law: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Picture the side of a Texas highway. Cars are passing at 60, 70, sometimes 75 miles per hour. And a few feet away, a trooper is walking up to a window, a tow truck driver is hooking a chain, or a crew is repairing a guardrail.
That's why Texas has the Move Over / Slow Down law. It's simple, it's easy to follow, and the penalties for ignoring it are bigger than a lot of drivers realize. Here's what the law actually says, who it protects, and how to handle it on the road.
The Law in Plain English
The law is found in Texas Transportation Code §545.157. When you approach a protected vehicle (listed below), unless a police officer directs you otherwise, you must do one of these:
- Move over. If you're on a road with two or more lanes going your direction, vacate the lane closest to the vehicle.
- Slow down. Slow to a speed that is no more than 20 mph below the posted speed limit. If the posted limit is under 25 mph, slow to 5 mph.
Example: On a highway posted at 65 mph, if you can't move over, you need to be down to 45 mph or less as you pass.
Here's how that plays out in real situations:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Multi-lane road, and you can safely move over | Move into the next lane, away from the vehicle |
| Multi-lane road, but traffic blocks you from moving over | Slow to 20 mph below the posted limit |
| Two-lane road (one lane each way) | Slow to 20 mph below the posted limit |
| Posted limit under 25 mph | Slow to 5 mph |
| A police officer is directing traffic | Follow the officer's directions |
Moving over is the best option when it's safe. If it isn't, slowing down is your legal alternative.
Who Is Protected?
Many drivers think this law is only about police cars. It's much broader. The law covers these vehicles when they are on or near the roadway using their required warning lights:
- Police, fire, and EMS vehicles (stationary, with their emergency lights on)
- Tow trucks (stationary, using their warning lights)
- TxDOT vehicles and highway maintenance or construction vehicles working under a TxDOT contract, when they are not separated from the road by cones, barriers, or similar devices
- Utility service vehicles
- Garbage and recycling trucks (stationary, working next to the road)
- Toll project vehicles
- Animal control vehicles (when removing an animal or animal carcass from the roadway), and local parking enforcement vehicles (when issuing a parking citation). These two were added to the law effective September 1, 2025.
If you see flashing lights on the shoulder, think move over or slow down. Even when you're not sure whether a particular vehicle is covered, giving workers extra room costs you a few seconds and could save a life.
What Happens If You Don't?
If you remember the old $200 fine, that's outdated. Texas raised the penalties effective September 1, 2023.
| Situation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First offense | Misdemeanor, fine of $500 to $1,250 |
| Second or later offense within five years | Fine of $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Violation results in bodily injury to another person | Class A misdemeanor, which can carry jail time |
| Second offense involving bodily injury | State jail felony |
| Repeat conviction | Court may suspend your driver's license for up to six months |
Court costs and fees are added on top of the fine. And if your conduct also violates another law, you can be charged under both.
Good to know: Courts have discretion to let drivers who can't afford a fine work it off through community service. Still, the best way to avoid the whole thing is to move over or slow down.
How to Do It Safely on the Highway
Knowing the law is one thing. Doing it smoothly at highway speed is another. A few habits help:
- Look far ahead. Flashing lights are visible from a long way off. The earlier you spot them, the more time you have.
- Check, signal, then move. Check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and change one lane smoothly. No sudden swerves.
- If you can't change lanes, ease off. Take your foot off the gas and brake gradually. Slam on the brakes and you create a new hazard for the driver behind you.
- Watch for people on foot. Officers and workers may step out near the lane, and passengers may exit a stopped car.
- Add extra room in bad conditions. Rain, darkness, and glare make everything harder. (Our guide to driving in heavy rainfall has more tips.)
- Don't tailgate. The driver ahead of you may brake suddenly when they see the lights.
Common Questions
Does it apply if the lights aren't flashing?
The law covers the listed vehicles when they're using their required warning lights. Even when the lights are off, slowing down and giving people room is a smart habit.
What if I'm on a two-lane road?
There's no lane to move into, so you slow down to the required speed.
Do I have to move over even if it's not safe?
No. If you can't move over safely, slow down instead. The law gives you that choice.
Can I take a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket under this law?
Whether a ticket is eligible for dismissal through a defensive driving course is up to the court, so ask the court clerk before you enroll in anything. Our step-by-step dismissal guide explains the process.
The Bottom Line
Move over if you safely can. If you can't, slow down to 20 mph below the limit. It takes a few seconds of attention, and it protects the people who are working a few feet from traffic so the rest of us can get where we're going.
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Source: Texas Transportation Code §545.157 (statutes.capitol.texas.gov). This article is for general information and is not legal advice.