Texas DPS troopers launching statewide crackdown on distracted driving

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced they plan to increase patrols beginning this weekend as the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct its annual Distracted Driving traffic enforcement campaign called Move Over or Slow Down.

This campaign is in coordination with Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort).

Texas Highway Patrol launches

What we know:

The campaign is to ensure drivers stay focused and avoid distractions, and from April 6 through April 13, state troopers will be keeping an eye out for drivers who are texting, failing to move over or slow down or are otherwise distracted behind the wheel. 

So far in 2026, there have been more than 5,007 Move Over, Slow Down violations.

Fines and penalties for distracted driving in Texas

DPS clarifies that violations of the law result in a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,250 and that multiple offenses can increase fines, and if the offense results in bodily injury, the penalty can be up to a state jail felony.

What they're saying:

"We are already seeing the consequences of distracted driving in 2026. Troopers have been struck simply doing their jobs on the side of the road, and it’s preventable. There is zero tolerance for distracted driving," said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. 

"Every driver has a responsibility to stay alert and to move over or slow down. Lives are at stake, and the safety of everyone on the roads depends on it. Just drive when you’re behind the wheel."

By the numbers:

Highway patrol will increase enforcement as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which runs nationwide from April 7 through April 14. Last year, during DPS’ 2025 Distracted Driving enforcement efforts, more than 79,201 citations and warnings were issued, including:

• 5,100+ speeding violations
• 335 seat belt and child seat violations
• 1,849 violations for driving without insurance
• 345 felony and fugitive arrests

Understanding the Texas requirements

What you can do:

To comply with the Move Over or Slow Down campaign, Texas law states that a driver must either:

• Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or
• Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

DPS Safety Tips

DPS recommends that drivers eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. 

In Texas, it is against the law to use portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. They suggest that if you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.

They also suggest drivers move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. 

Driving the Texas way means showing the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. The department leaves drivers with these safety tips:

• Don’t drink and drive
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
• Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling.

What's next:

For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas for more information.