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March 10, 2020

Contact: Public Information Office, (512) 974-5017

APD conducts Move Over operation focused on tow trucks Media Advisory: Media is welcome to ride along during this operation tomorrow morning. Please call or email APD PIO to get location details.



On Wednesday, March 11, 2020 the Austin Police Department’s Highway Enforcement Command will conduct a traffic initiative focusing on Texas Transportation Code 545.157, also known as the “Move-Over” law. The law states that vehicles must either move over a lane, or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit, if they pass an emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated.



The operation will focus on vehicles not moving over for tow trucks which are classified as emergency vehicles. Research from AAA shows that a tow truck operator is killed once every six days, making it an extremely dangerous job.



The operation will run from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Ben White Blvd. and will utilize a highway enforcement detective along with officers working overtime. APD has partnered with A & A Wrecker and Recovery, who donated a tow truck and an out-of-service vehicle for the operation. The goal of the operation is to bring awareness to the law and encourage compliance in the future.