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Enforcement Activity

The Pelican Bay Police Department will begin strict enforcement of 2 laws designed to protect police and emergency workers, which are the "move over or slow down" law and the window tint law.

In September 2003, the Texas Legislature enacted a law designed to protect officers and emergency workers as they conduct their roadside duties. The law requires motorists driving on roadways to vacate the lane nearest a stationary emergency vehicle which has emergency lights activated.  If the driver cannot safely change lanes, the law requires the driver to slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit, unless the speed limit is 25 MPH or less, in which case the driver must slow to 5 MPH:

Beginning immediately, officers will be concentrating their enforcement efforts regarding the "PASSING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE" law, as well as well the window tint law (Transportation Code § 547.613).

Officers are stepping-up enforcement after community education efforts and warnings about the law that is often unheeded by many drivers.

If you see a police car on the road that has the emergency lights activated, simply move over to the other lane or slow down to pass them.  Also, check the window tint on your vehicle's windows ... we are.

Violations can result in fines up to $200. If property damage results, fines increase to up to $500. A violation that results in injury is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.