AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety will increase traffic enforcement throughout Labor Day weekend as Texans take to the roads for end-of-summer celebrations.
Additional Texas Highway Patrol troopers will patrol roadways during Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, commonly known as Operation CARE. The enforcement campaign runs Sept. 4–7.
During the operation, troopers will watch for drivers who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, failing to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law, or committing other traffic violations.
“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,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan 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 last year’s Labor Day enforcement campaign, troopers issued more than 63,015 citations and warnings. Those included 5,233 citations and warnings for speeding, 1,594 for driving without insurance, and more than 346 for seat belt or child-restraint violations.
Troopers also arrested 211 people on DWI charges and 250 people on other felony charges.
Labor Day driving safety tips
DPS encourages drivers to follow these precautions throughout the holiday weekend:
- Don’t drink and drive. Arrange for a sober driver or another safe form of transportation if you plan to consume alcohol.
- Move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped with emergency lights activated. Drivers should extend the same courtesy to motorists stopped along the road. DPS reports more than 13,215 Move Over or Slow Down violations so far in 2026.
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt and that children are properly secured.
- Slow down, especially during bad weather, heavy traffic, construction or travel through unfamiliar areas.
- Eliminate distractions while driving. Texas law prohibits drivers from using portable wireless devices to read, write or send electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped. When possible, allow a passenger to operate navigation devices or apps.
- Drive defensively and remain alert for the additional challenges created by holiday traffic.
- Use the left lane for passing on multi-lane roads. Slower traffic should remain in the right lane when required by posted signs.
- Avoid cutting closely in front of large trucks or braking suddenly in front of them. Commercial trucks cannot stop or maneuver as quickly as passenger vehicles.
- Remember: “If you can steer it, clear it.” Drivers involved in non-injury crashes should move their vehicles out of traffic lanes when it is safe. Leaving vehicles in active lanes can cause congestion and increase the risk of a secondary collision.
- Check your vehicle before traveling and make sure all cargo is properly secured.
- Report road hazards or suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency.
- Monitor weather and highway conditions before and during your trip. Current Texas road conditions and closures are available through DriveTexas.
DPS reminds Texans about iWatchTexas
DPS is also reminding the public about iWatchTexas, a statewide program for reporting suspicious activity that could help authorities prevent dangerous attacks.
Texans are encouraged to remain vigilant during parades, festivals and other large community gatherings. Confidential tips may be submitted through the iWatchTexas website, its free iOS and Android mobile apps, or by calling 844-643-2251.
iWatchTexas should not be used to report emergencies. Anyone experiencing or witnessing an emergency should call 911 immediately.
