The Texas Department of Public Safety announced on May 8 that it will increase patrols statewide as part of its annual All-American Enforcement Campaign before the Memorial Day holiday. The Texas Highway Patrol will focus on enforcing seat belt laws and encouraging safe driving from May 11 to May 25 in an effort to reduce crashes and save lives.
This initiative aims to highlight the importance of wearing seat belts and following traffic safety rules during a time when road travel typically increases. “Seat belts save lives— it’s that simple,” said Chief of the Texas Highway Patrol Bryan Rippee. “Buckling up is one of the easiest decisions you can make to protect yourself and your loved ones every time you get on the road.”
The campaign is part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). During last year’s All-American enforcement period, officers issued more than 156,142 citations and warnings, including over 9,784 speeding violations, 780 seat belt violations, 3,876 violations for driving without insurance, and made 902 felony or fugitive arrests. In addition, so far in 2026 there have been more than 6,989 Move Over, Slow Down violations recorded by DPS.
Drivers are reminded that under Texas law they must move over or slow down for police vehicles, fire trucks, EMS units, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles or tow trucks stopped with emergency lights activated. Violations may result in a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,250; repeat offenses can lead to higher fines or even a state jail felony if bodily injury occurs.
The Texas Department of Public Safety manages facilities across the state—including its headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin—and employs more than 11,000 personnel operating over 5,000 vehicles according to the official website. The agency functions as a state-owned entity governed by the Public Safety Commission and protects residents throughout Texas.
