Texas DPS stepping up enforcement through end of Thanksgiving weekend

The Texas Department of Public Safety is stepping up enforcement of drivers violating traffic laws through the end of the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Texas Highway Patrol Troopers will increase enforcement efforts from Wednesday, November 26th through Sunday, November 30th throughout the state of Texas. 

According to the Department of Public Safety, troopers will be looking for any drivers and motorists committing traffic violations such as not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failing to follow Move Over laws, and more. 

“Texas roads experience a major increase in traffic on both the days before and after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “We’re asking everyone to be mindful, whether you’re in a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck — stay alert, be patient, follow the law and focus on getting to your destination safely.” 

During the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend, 45,770 warnings and citations were issued during enforcement. 4,082 were issued for speeding, 1,284 for driving without insurance, and 214 for seat belt and child seat violations. The enforcement also yielded 206 felony arrests, 162 DUI arrests, and 67 fugitive arrests.