Texas DPS steps up enforcement during Labor Day weekend

TEXAS (KFDX/KJTL) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing traffic enforcement across the state for Labor Day weekend. The effort includes the specialized Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, known as Operation CARE, which runs Sept. 4 through Sept. 7. During the holiday campaign, Texas Highway Patrol troopers are looking for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, failing to comply with the state's Move Over, Slow Down law, or committing other traffic violations. Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee urged motorists to make safe decisions during the holiday travel period. 'As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, we know many Texans will be hitting the road to celebrate with family and friends,' Rippee said. 'While our Troopers will be out across the state working to keep our roads safe, we want to remind drivers to do their part on the road – slow down, eliminate distractions, drive sober and buckle up. By making responsible choices, we can all close out the summer season safely.' During the 2025 Labor Day enforcement initiative, troopers issued more than 63,015 citations and warnings. That total included 5,233 citations for speeding, 1,594 for driving without insurance and more than 346 for seat belt or child restraint violations. Troopers also arrested 211 individuals on DWI charges and made 250 felony arrests. Texas law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down for police, fire, emergency medical services, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated. So far in 2026, state law enforcement officers have recorded more than 13,215 Move Over, Slow Down violations. State law also prohibits drivers from using portable wireless devices to read, write or send electronic messages while operating a vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped. Department officials recommend that passengers handle navigation applications so drivers can keep their eyes on the road. Additional highway safety guidelines require motorists on multi-lane roads to keep right and use the left lane for passing only where posted. Drivers involved in non-injury crashes whose vehicles can be driven are instructed to clear traffic lanes to minimize congestion and prevent secondary wrecks, which is required by law on certain highways. Journalists at Texomashomepage.com gathered all the facts for this report. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. The staff at Texomashomepage.com edited and fact-checked this report before publication. You can now stream KFDX and Texoma's FOX live 24/7 on your smart TV with KFDX+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite needed—watch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.