Transportation Code · §545.157

Moving Violations

Moving Violations is covered under §545.157 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicle/TxDOT/tow/utility vehicle with activated emergency lights; Multi-lane: vacate the lane closest to the parked vehicle when safe; Otherwise: slow to 20 MPH below posted (5 MPH below if posted ≤25 MPH).

Elements you must prove

  • Approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicle/TxDOT/tow/utility vehicle with activated emergency lights
  • Multi-lane: vacate the lane closest to the parked vehicle when safe
  • Otherwise: slow to 20 MPH below posted (5 MPH below if posted ≤25 MPH)

Practice 2 questions on this topic

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Texas's 'Move Over / Slow Down' law (§545.157) requires drivers approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, TxDOT vehicle, tow truck, or utility service vehicle with activated emergency lights to:

  1. Honk continuously
  2. Vacate the lane closest to the vehicle if the highway has two or more lanes traveling in the same direction (when safe), OR slow to 20 MPH below the posted speed (5 MPH below the posted speed when posted is 25 MPH or less) Correct
  3. Stop completely
  4. Drive on the shoulder
Why: The Move Over / Slow Down law protects roadside workers and officers. Drivers must move over a lane (multi-lane highway, when safe) OR reduce speed by the statutory margin if moving over is unsafe.
Statute: Tex. Transp. Code §545.157
Worked example 2

Texas's 'Move Over' rule (§545.157) protecting roadside workers may also apply to which non-emergency vehicles?

  1. Only authorized emergency vehicles
  2. Authorized emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks with required lights, and utility service vehicles using authorized lighting Correct
  3. Any vehicle parked on the shoulder
  4. Buses only
Why: The Move Over / Slow Down law extends to TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks, and utility service vehicles using authorized lighting, in addition to authorized emergency vehicles.
Statute: Tex. Transp. Code §545.157

Statutory definitions for this topic

Move Over / Slow Down (§545.157) Tex. Transp. Code §545.157
Drivers approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, TxDOT vehicle, tow truck, or utility service vehicle with activated emergency lights must vacate the lane closest to the parked vehicle (when safe), OR slow to 20 MPH below the posted speed (5 MPH below if posted ≤ 25).