New Changes to the Slow Down Move Over Law - SB 305
Senate Bill 305 (SB 305) introduces an amendment to Section 545.157(a) of the Texas Transportation Code. This proposed change aims to enhance roadway safety by extending the existing “Slow Down Move Over” law to include two additional types of stationary vehicles, ensuring they receive the same protections as emergency and service vehicles.
Current Law: Section 545.157(a)
Under the current law, Texas drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane or slow down when approaching specific stationary vehicles displaying visual signals. These vehicles include:
Authorized emergency vehicles (e.g., police, fire, and medical services).
Tow trucks actively assisting vehicles.
TxDOT vehicles or contractors performing construction or maintenance work.
Utility service vehicles engaged in roadside operations.
Municipal solid waste and recycling vehicles in the process of collecting or transporting waste.
Drivers who fail to comply face penalties, including fines or possible charges depending on the severity of the infraction.
Proposed Amendments in SB 305
The bill proposes adding two specific vehicle categories to the list of stationary vehicles covered by the “Move Over or Slow Down” law:
Animal control vehicles:
Operated by animal control officers (as defined in Section 829.001, Health and Safety Code) removing animals or carcasses from roadways.
Includes individuals authorized to dispose of animal carcasses under Section 361.117, Health and Safety Code.
These vehicles must display visual signals that comply with standards in Section 547.105 of the Transportation Code.
Parking enforcement vehicles:
Operated by employees of local authorities issuing parking citations.
These vehicles must also display visual signals that comply with Section 547.105 standards.
Implications of the Proposed Changes
Enhanced Roadway Safety
The inclusion of animal control and parking enforcement vehicles addresses specific safety risks faced by these workers, who often operate in close proximity to moving traffic. The amendment recognizes their vulnerability and provides legal protection.
Increased Driver Awareness
This amendment aims to reduce confusion for drivers by expanding and clarifying the list of vehicles requiring caution. By standardizing the requirement across more types of stationary vehicles, it reinforces the importance of vigilance on the road.
Legal Compliance
Drivers will be legally required to treat animal control and parking enforcement vehicles with the same level of care as emergency and other protected service vehicles, ensuring consistency and fairness in the law’s application.
Proposed Effective Date
If passed, the amendment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The proposed changes in SB 305 reflect Texas’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for workers who perform essential duties on or near highways. By extending the Slow Down Move Over law to animal control and parking enforcement vehicles, the legislature acknowledges the unique risks faced by these operators and prioritizes their protection.