Move Over/ Slow Down and School Zone cell use enter Texas Law effective Sept. 1 Published Aug. 29, 2013 By 17th Training Wing Safety Office GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Texas expands its driving laws to include the Move Over/ Slow Down law to protect Texas Department of Transportation workers effective, Sept. 1. Beginning Sept. 1, the state's Move Over/Slow Down law expands to include the same protections for DOT workers that it now provides for police, fire and emergency crews. On average, more than once per year, a TxDOT worker is struck and killed by a motorist. Now, the state is taking action to prevent these tragedies and protect the crews. Under the Texas law, drivers must move over or slow down when approaching TxDOT workers, or TxDOT vehicles that are stopped and have overhead flashing blue or amber lights. Drivers are required to move out of the lane closest to the TxDOT activity when possible, or reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted limit. The rules apply when driving on the highway. On roads that don't have multiple lanes, the driver must slow down. On roads with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, drivers must reduce their speed to 5 miles per hour. Fines for violating these laws can be as high as $2000 New laws also take effect for school zones, particularly affecting cell phone use. Texas already prohibits cellphone use behind the wheel in active school zones, unless the vehicle is stopped or the driver is using a hands-free device. Lawmakers extended the ban to all school property, including parking lots and drop-off lanes. Violators face fines of up to $200. There are still exceptions for stopped vehicles and hands-free devices. The law doesn't apply to emergency calls. Lawmakers also increased the fine for passing a school bus when its flashing lights and stop signs are active. The fine can range from $500 to $1,250. Remember, don't use your cell phone while driving in a school zone and always slow down for workers.
