A STRICT new slow driving law has come into force in a major US state that punishes motorists that don’t follow a reduced speed limit.
The ruling, which came into effect on September 1 along with a slew of other laws, is designed to protect roadside workers.
A strict new slow driving law has come into force in Texas, with drivers risky mighty fines if they fail to follow the rules[/caption]
It requires motorists to slow down and change lanes if possible if they see a stopped vehicle ahead with an activated flashing light[/caption]
The law, which also applys to tow trucks and utility service vehicles, also includes animal control and parking enforcement vehicles[/caption]
The so-called ‘Move Over or Slow Down law’ initially only applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles[/caption]
According to KSAT, the ‘Move Over or Slow Down law’ that’s come to Texas under Senate Bill 305 could be the answer to preventing accidents caused by passing vehicles.
Authorities believe it can help protect law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, tow truck drivers, utility workers, TxDOT personnel and, now, other designated roadside workers.
It mandates drivers to change lanes to move out of the lane closest to stopped vehicles with an activated flashing light, creating a safe buffer zone for roadside workers.
It applies on highways or roads with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, although if moving over is not possible – possibly due to traffic or because of a single-lane road – then drivers are required to slow down significantly.
Specifically, the law states motorists must reduce their speed by 20mph below the posted speed limit on roads where the speed limit exceeds 25mph.
This also means lowering speed to 5mph on roads with posted speed limits of 25mph or less.
First passed in 2003, the so-called ‘Move Over or Slow Down law’ initially only applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles.
Over time, protections were expanded to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
But now, it includes animal control vehicles or vehicles removing animal carcasses and parking enforcement vehicles.
Those who fail to follow the new law risk strict penalties, including fines of up to $1,250 for first-time offenders.
But even stricter penalties apply to drivers who cause serious injuries or fatalities by failing to follow the law, which could include possible jail time or fines of up to $4,000.
The law reflects growing awareness of the dangers roadside workers face, with many injured or killed each year while performing their duties.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is working on educating drivers on the importance of following the law, as well as respecting roadside workers, and it highlights the dangers workers face.
This comes as another law that’s come to Texas from September 1 requires fully autonomous vehicles to have a permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles before operating on public streets.
Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas’ Senate Bill 2807 to regulate self-driving cars in the state.
The law requires the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to authorize the use of self-driving cars without any human intervention on public roads; it also requires companies to provide emergency response plans for their autonomous vehicles.
These emergency response plans will be made available to police and first responders.
Tesla’s robotaxi service in Austin is currently exempt from these rules since rides include a human safety monitor.
The “safety monitor” sits in the front passenger seat and ensures the ride goes smoothly.
Waymo and other autonomous car services will need state approval before taking passengers.
Authorities can revoke permits if regulations aren’t followed.
New September driving laws and rules
- Starting September 14, new speed cameras will be turned on in Florida and threaten with $100 fees
- On September 1, drivers in South Carolina will have to watch where they put their hands under a new hands-free law
- Also, on September 1, certain vehicles operating in Texas will have to get a special permit
- More drivers will be forced to get dozens of hours of training before getting their license under a new law
- And drivers have until September 30 to collect a $7,500 tax credit
