APD to target 'Move Over' law violators

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin police officers will begin to target drivers who ignore the state's Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when an emergency vehicle is pulled over on the side of the road.

The law was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2003 and recently amended to include tow trucks.

"After all these years, very few people either know the law or choose to abide by the law." said APD Highway Enforcement Lieutenant Justin Newsom. "Some people know that the officer who is writing that ticket can't stop them because he is engaged in the current ticket and he's not radaring while he's issuing a ticket."

For two weeks in October, APD officers will work in teams of two to catch drivers who violate the law. One officer will pull a driver over while the other uses radar to clock passing drivers.

During a similar initiative in 2011, Austin police officers issued 145 warnings and 147 citations in a two week period. This year, they will focus on the I-35 corridor and hope other law enforcement agencies from Georgetown to San Antonio will also participate in the initiative.

"So it's not just for citizens in Austin- but for those passing through in the outlying communities can also be educated and abide by the law," said Newsom.

Newsom said 11 Texas law enforcement officers lost their lives in the last year while stopped on the side of the road.

"I think its just important to remember that we have to be in that location," Newsom said. "We don't choose to be there, we don't necessarily want to be there, and so we ask for some consideration so that we can go home at night and not be like the 11 officers who lost their lives on the side of the road in the last year."

APD has not announced the specific dates for the October initiative.

Violating the law can result in a fine up to $200.