Texas Move-Over Law
Texas hits hard. Move over a lane for police, fire, EMS, tow trucks, TxDOT and road crews, utility trucks, and public service vehicles running their lights, or slow to 20 mph under the limit (5 mph if the limit is 25 or less). A first offense runs $500 to $1,250. A second within five years runs $1,000 to $2,000. Hurt a responder and it becomes a Class A misdemeanor up to $4,000 plus jail (Tex. Transp. Code §545.157). A plain disabled car with its flashers on is not covered.
What Texas requires
Texas hits hard. Move over a lane for police, fire, EMS, tow trucks, TxDOT and road crews, utility trucks, and public service vehicles running their lights, or slow to 20 mph under the limit (5 mph if the limit is 25 or less). A first offense runs $500 to $1,250. A second within five years runs $1,000 to $2,000. Hurt a responder and it becomes a Class A misdemeanor up to $4,000 plus jail (Tex. Transp. Code §545.157). A plain disabled car with its flashers on is not covered.
Who you move over for, and the fallback
- Move over for: Police, fire, EMS, tow trucks/wreckers, TxDOT and highway maintenance/construction crews, utility service trucks, municipal solid waste trucks, toll-project vehicles, and (since Sept 1, 2025) animal control and parking enforcement vehicles when their lights are on. Not a plain disabled vehicle showing only hazard lights.
- If you can't move over: Move out of the lane nearest the stopped vehicle when you can. If you can't move over safely, slow to 20 mph below the posted limit (5 mph if the limit is 25 mph or less).
- The $500-$1,250 range is from the 2023 amendment. SB 305, effective Sept 1, 2025, added animal control and parking enforcement vehicles to the covered list.
What a violation costs
First offense $500 to $1,250. Second offense within five years $1,000 to $2,000. If bodily injury results it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, up to $4,000 plus jail. A repeat offense that causes injury is a state-jail felony.
Texas Move-Over Law FAQ
What is the move-over law in Texas?
What is the fine for a move-over violation in Texas?
Do you have to move over for a tow truck in Texas?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/move-over-or-slow-down.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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