Texas DPS Stepping Up Traffic Enforcement for Labor Day Weekend Travelers
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
Motorists traveling across Texas during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend can expect an increased presence of Texas Department of Public Safety troopers on highways as authorities step up enforcement efforts aimed at reducing crashes and dangerous driving.
DPS announced that additional Texas Highway Patrol troopers will be on the roads as part of Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, commonly known as Operation CARE, which will run from Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, 2026.
The statewide operation will focus on drivers who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, failing to comply with the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law and committing other traffic violations.
The increased enforcement will also apply to highways throughout South Texas and the border region, including roadways traveled by Eagle Pass and Maverick County residents during the long holiday weekend.
“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.
Rippee urged motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, drive sober and make sure everyone inside their vehicle is properly restrained.
Last year’s Labor Day enforcement campaign resulted in more than 63,015 citations and warnings statewide. Those included 5,233 for speeding, 1,594 for driving without insurance and more than 346 involving drivers or passengers who were not wearing seat belts or using required child safety restraints.
Troopers also arrested 211 people on DWI charges and another 250 people on other felony charges during the 2025 enforcement period.
DPS is particularly reminding motorists about Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law when approaching police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped along roadways with emergency lights activated.
According to DPS, more than 13,215 Move Over, Slow Down violations have already been recorded across Texas in 2026.
Authorities are also encouraging travelers to avoid drinking and driving, buckle up, reduce their speed in heavy traffic or construction zones and eliminate cellphone and other distractions while behind the wheel.
With increased traffic expected throughout the holiday weekend, DPS is asking motorists to plan ahead and make responsible decisions before getting on the road.
The Labor Day enforcement campaign begins Friday and continues through Monday as Texans mark the unofficial end of the summer travel season.
