If you drive in Texas in the coming weeks, be especially vigilant. The Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas DPS) has stepped up operational on roads throughout the state as part of its campaign leading up to the Memorial Day holiday, a time when millions of people hit the road and the risks of accidents increase.
The measure is already underway and will run until May 25with a reinforced presence of state patrols and controls focused on some of the most frequent infractions among drivers.
For thousands of Hispanic families who depend on the car to work, transport their children or take long trips within the state, the message is clear: the authorities will be monitoring more rigorously and certain violations can be very expensive.
You can see: California Highway Patrol begins Maximum Surveillance Period
What the police are controlling in Texas
As officially reported by Texas DPS, agents will pay special attention to behaviors that are usually behind serious or fatal accidents. Among the main violations under surveillance are:
- Speeding.
- Not wearing a seat belt.
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use.
- Aggressive or reckless driving.
- Not respecting the Switch Over/Slack Down law.
The latter forces drivers to change lanes or significantly reduce speed when approaching emergency vehiclespatrol cars, tow trucks or assistance units stopped on the side of the road with lights activated.
Ignoring this obligation can lead to fines of up to $1,250, according to the state agency.
The data that explains why Texas toughened operations
This is not a symbolic warning. During the same campaign last year, Texas DPS reported more than 156,000 tickets and warnings statewide.
Among the most relevant official numbers:
- 9,784 penalties for speeding.
- 780 for not wearing a seat belt.
- 3,876 for driving without insurance.
- 902 arrests linked to serious crimes or people with outstanding arrest warrants.
The figures show that the operation usually turns into a large-scale road offensive.
You can see: Is it acceptable to carry passengers in the back of a van in Texas? This is what the law says
What happens if you are an immigrant and you are detained?
For many Hispanic drivers, especially immigrants, a police stop can cause additional concern. This operation is of a road and non-immigration nature.. However, any arrest can be complicated if the driver does not carry the required documentation or faces another type of irregularity.
In Texas, it is recommended to always carry:
- Valid driver’s license.
- Vehicle registration.
- Current proof of insurance.
- Corresponding identification.
Driving without insurance or with irregular documentation may result in additional penalties.
You can see: How to obtain the CDL in Texas step by step: a procedure that allows you to earn more than $25 per hour
Why checks increase before Memorial Day
Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of the peak road trip season in the United States. With more highway traffic, family getaways and long-distance trips, the risk of fatal accidents also increases.
That’s why Texas strengthens its controls each year during this period with the stated goal of reducing crashes and promoting safer behavior. Respecting the rules not only avoids fines, it can also avoid much more serious problems in one of the states with the highest vehicle traffic in the country.
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