Texas transportation officials have started screening vehicles at checkpoints along the Louisiana border for Coronavirus, but they say that truckers will not be asked to stop.
The COVID-19 checkpoints were set up on roadways leading from Louisiana into Texas, including interstates, on Sunday, April 5, according to a news release from Louisiana State Police.
While the Texas Department of Public Safety will be screening all passenger vehicles, troopers say that “commercial motor vehicle traffic will not be obstructed.”
The purpose of the checkpoints is to enforce an executive order issued by Texas Governor Abbott that requires any road traveller entering Texas from Louisiana to quarantine for 14 days to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Texas Highway Patrol released the following statement on the new Coronavirus checkpoints:
As part of our efforts to enforce Governor Abbott’s Executive Order (GA-12), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its presence along the Texas/Louisiana border. DPS Troopers will set up roadway screening stations to gather required forms from road travelers along the border. The area of operations will remain in Texas counties that border Louisiana. The established screening stations will take place on major roadways in these counties, including interstate highways and other high-volume routes. Travelers will be asked to complete the travel form required under GA-12. It’s important for those entering Texas from Louisiana to be prepared to stop.
While the department does not discuss specifics related to its operational plans regarding enforcement, we want the public to be prepared for increased patrols and additional law enforcement presence along the Texas/Louisiana border as we work to enforce the Governor’s Executive Order.
The punishment for disregarding the executive order is up to 180 days in jail or a $1000 fine.
Drivers who are nearing the Texas/Louisiana border are warned to be prepared for traffic backups caused by the checkpoints.