10/18/2026
A public reminder about the laws and the common-sense steps that help keep our community and first responders safe.
WHEN AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE IS STOPPED ALONG THE ROAD (TTC § 545.157)
Texas Transportation Code § 545.157 (Texas’ “Move Over / Slow Down” law) requires drivers approaching a stopped patrol vehicle, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle with emergency lights activated to take immediate safety measures:
• Move Over: On a road with two or more lanes traveling in your direction, you must vacate the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle when you can do so safely.
• Slow Down: If you cannot safely move over, or if the roadway has only one lane traveling in your direction, you are required to reduce your speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
• In a 55 mph zone, you must slow to 35 mph or less
• In a 35 mph zone, you must slow to 15 mph or less
• If the posted speed limit is below 25 mph, you must reduce your speed to 5 mph
Begin adjusting your speed and lane position as soon as you see emergency lights ahead. Use your mirrors, signal early, and maintain a safe following distance. Waiting until the last moment to brake or change lanes suddenly creates hazardous conditions for everyone on the road. Stay alert for personnel outside their vehicles. Officers may be assisting a driver, conducting an investigation, or removing road debris. Please focus on driving and avoid secondary distractions, such as looking at or recording the scene.
WHEN AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE APPROACHES FROM BEHIND OR AHEAD (TTC § 545.156)
Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.156, when an authorized emergency vehicle approaches while using visual signals (emergency lights) or audible signals (a siren):
• Yield the right-of-way immediately.
• Drive smoothly and safely to a position parallel and as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
• Stop completely, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has safely passed.
• If you are already inside an intersection, clear the intersection completely before pulling over to the right and stopping.
• Avoid slamming on your brakes, swerving erratically, or pulling over to the left. Before re-entering traffic, check your mirrors for additional responding units.
WHEN AN OFFICER IS DIRECTING TRAFFIC (TTC § 542.501 & § 544.004)
Under Texas Transportation Code § 542.501 and § 544.004, drivers are required to obey the lawful directions and hand signals of a police officer directing traffic, even when those directions conflict with a traffic control device, stop sign, or traffic signal.
Slow down, watch the officer’s instructions carefully, put your phone down, and give the officer your complete attention. Emergency situations can occur unexpectedly. Staying alert, giving first responders space, and responding calmly protects the men and women serving our community as well as your fellow drivers
