The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is enhancing its traffic enforcement efforts for the Thanksgiving holiday to ensure the safety of Texans. From Wednesday, November 27, through Sunday, December 1, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers will be actively monitoring the roads. Their focus will be on seat belt compliance, intoxicated driving, speeding, and adherence to the Move Over, Slow Down law, among other violations.

“With Thanksgiving around the corner, we remind everyone to stay vigilant on the roads,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “There can be countless distractions this time of year, but your safety and the safety of others is what matters most. Take your time, avoid distractions and let’s ensure everyone arrives to their destination this holiday season.”

DPS participates annually in Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) during Thanksgiving. In 2023, this initiative led to 41,093 warnings and citations being issued. These included 11,525 for speeding; 1,310 for driving without insurance; and 596 for seat belt and child seat violations. Additionally, there were 54 felony arrests, 36 DWI arrests, and 18 fugitive arrests during last year's enforcement.

DPS also emphasizes the importance of vigilance during community events such as parades and festivals. Texans are encouraged to report suspicious activities through various channels including a mobile app or by calling a dedicated hotline.