KPD to Conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Detail

The Killeen Police Department Special Operations Unit will conduct a special traffic enforcement operation on Thursday, September 25, 2014, for violation of 545.157 Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle.

The Texas State Law states – (a) on approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:

(1) Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on a

highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the

emergency vehicle; or

(2) Slow to a speed not to exceed:

(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, when the posted

speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more;

(B) Five miles an hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles

per hour.

(b) a violation of this section is:

(1) a misdemeanor punishable under Section 542.401

(2) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 if the violation results

in property damage: or

(3)  a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.

(c) if conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an

offense under section of this code or the Penal Cove, the actor may be

prosecuted under either section or under both sections.

This special enforcement operation is conducted to inform motorists of the actual law and to increase the emphasis on the danger of traffic enforcement throughout the city.  Police Officers are at risk on a daily basis when they enforce traffic laws; officers are not only seriously injured but also killed due to the driver’s inattentiveness.

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department