Texas state troopers will flood highways this Labor Day weekend as part of a specialized enforcement campaign targeting speeders, drunk drivers, and other traffic violators.
The Department of Public Safety announced that Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) will run from August 29 through September 1, deploying additional highway patrol officers across the state’s roadways.
The timing coincides with one of the year’s deadliest travel periods. Last year’s Labor Day enforcement netted more than 53,612 citations and warnings, including 199 drunk driving arrests and 187 felony arrests.
“Each year, too many lives are lost on Texas roads because of people’s poor decisions,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “The decision to drink and drive, the decision not to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped and working along the side of the road, the decision to drive way too fast.”
The enforcement push is part of DPS’s broader “90 Days of Safety” campaign marking the department’s 90th anniversary. The three-month initiative emphasizes cooperation between law enforcement and the public to reduce road fatalities.
Officers will particularly focus on violations of the state’s “Move Over, Slow Down” law. So far in 2025, troopers have recorded more than 9,617 violations of the law requiring drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when passing emergency vehicles.
During last year’s campaign, officers issued 4,599 speeding citations, 1,404 insurance violations, and 248 seat belt infractions.
DPS officials urged drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions, and plan alternative transportation if they have been drinking. The agency also reminded Texans to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas program, especially during holiday gatherings and community events. However, emergencies should be reported to 911.
For road conditions and closures, travelers can check Drive Texas or call roadside assistance at 1-800-525-5555.
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