On September 1, 2025, a new ‘slow down’ law will hit drivers in Texas. According to this law, motorists will be required to reduce their speed by at least 20 miles per hour near flashing lights. Those who break it will face fines of up to $1,250 on their first offense.
This law is part of the state’s long-standing Texas Mover Over or Slow Down law. It is designed to protect workers on the roadside, such as utility workers, police, and emergency responders.
Texas Slow Down Law 2025
The Texas ‘Mover Over or Slow Down’ law of 2025 is also called Senate Bill 305. The law strengthens the already existing rules that apply to police officers and emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles. Drivers will be required to slow down or move over for tow trucks, TxDOT vehicles, utility and service trucks, parking enforcement vehicles, and animal control vehicles. It will apply to all highways and multi-lane roads.
How the New Law Works
- Move over one lane away from the stopped vehicle with flashing lights, but only if it’s safe to do so.
- If it’s not safe to change lanes, you must slow down by at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- On roads with a speed limit of 25 mph, you must slow down to 5 mph.
Failure to adhere to these rules will result in severe penalties.
Penalties Under the New Texas Traffic Law
Drivers who break the ‘Move Over or Slow Down’ rule for the first time will pay a fine of up to $1,250. You will face fines of up to $4,000, criminal charges, or even jail time if you break this law and cause injury or death.
Every year, TxDOT employees, tow truck drivers, and other service workers are injured or even killed while providing services on highways by reckless drivers who fail to slow down. This law is meant to change driving habits.
Why the Law Changed
Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 305 earlier this year to enhance safety on roads in Texas. The roadside worker protection laws are important to curb distracted or careless driving habits.
The introduction of garbage trucks, parking enforcement, and utility vehicles to the list illustrates that Texas is clear about protecting all roadside workers and not just paramedics and police.
Other New Texas Driving Laws 2025
Besides the Move or Slow Down law, Texas has set new driving laws meant to enhance safety on its roads. Here are some of the laws
- “Bandit signs” crackdown. – Businesses that place illegal roadside advertising will face fines of up to $5,000.
- Expired driver’s license. – Drivers who have scheduled a driver’s license renewal will have a 60-day grace period.
- DWI and reckless driving. Offenders will face tough penalties with higher fines and longer suspensions, while repeat offenders will face felony charges.
- Autonomous vehicles.- Companies operating autonomous vehicles must get state permits and provide plans on how they will handle emergency response.
Conclusion
Starting September 1, 2025, it will be mandatory to slow down when you see flashing lights on the roadside in Texas. Drivers will have to slow down by 20 mph or move over under the Texas Slow Down law 2025. Those who fail to adhere to this law will face a fine of up to $1,250.
The Texas Slow Down law is meant to protect roadside workers such as tow truck drivers, police officers, paramedics, garbage collectors, and others providing various services on the roads.