Drive Carefully. Texas DPS Increasing Enforcement for Labor Day Weekend

Planning to take to the open road this weekend? 

The Texas Department of Public Safety will be out in greater numbers this long holiday weekend looking for drunk drivers, motorists not wearing seat belts and other traffic violations. 

The stepped up enforcement began Friday and continues through Monday. 

“DPS reminds all travelers to be responsible and practice safe driving habits this Labor Day,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “It’s imperative for everyone to do their part to keep our roadways safe, and DPS will also do our part by increasing patrols and enforcing traffic laws this holiday weekend.”

During the 2019 Labor Day holiday, DPS Troopers issued 102,274 citations and warnings, including 10,506 citations for speeding; 1,461 seat belt and child safety restraint citations; and 938 warnings and citations for move over, slow down violations. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 489 DWI arrests, 358 fugitive arrests and 354 felony arrests.  

Texas’ Move over or Slow Down Law requires motorists to make way for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. 

Driving Tips

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
• Slow down.
• Put that cellphone away. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
• Drive defensively.
• Don’t drive fatigued.
• Use the left lane for passing only on multi-lane roads. Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only.
• Steer it and clear it. If you are involved in a noninjury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact.
• Check your vehicle for maintenance issues.
• Secure the cargo.
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.

Monitor weather and road conditions. For information on road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.