Move Over for Animal Control Vehicles

August 3, 2025 – Starting September 1, 2025, Texas drivers will need to adjust their habits behind the wheel as the state’s “Move Over, Slow Down” law expands to include animal control vehicles and officers. The law, originally enacted in 2003, was designed to protect emergency responders by requiring drivers to either change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching certain stopped vehicles with flashing lights, such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, and TxDOT vehicles.

Now, animal control officers—who often work roadside responding to loose, injured, or aggressive animals—will be afforded the same protection. Supporters of the expansion say the measure was overdue, given the risks these officers face when performing duties near highways and busy streets. Stopping to assist an animal can put them in close proximity to fast-moving traffic, creating dangerous situations.

Under the law, drivers must move at least one lane away from stopped animal control vehicles displaying flashing lights, or if that isn’t possible, reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $200, or as high as $500 if property damage occurs. Violations causing injury can lead to Class B misdemeanor charges.