Dallas, Texas, December 18, 2025
As the holiday season nears, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is enhancing highway patrols in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to ensure safer travel. From December 19 to January 1, DPS troopers will focus on critical violations like DWI, speeding, and seat belt compliance. This initiative aims to reduce traffic accidents during a time when roadways are heavily trafficked, aligning with nationwide safety efforts. Motorists are reminded to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic laws.
Increased Police Presence on D-FW Highways for Upcoming Holidays
Dallas, Texas – As the holiday season approaches, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is launching enhanced enforcement efforts on highways throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth (D-FW) area. Starting on December 19 and continuing through January 1, DPS troopers will ramp up patrols, primarily targeting violations such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), speeding, failure to use seat belts, and compliance with the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensuring safer travel for all motorists during a time when highways can become particularly busy.
The holiday period commonly sees an influx of travelers, and DPS aims to reduce the risk of accidents stemming from reckless driving behaviors. The heightened enforcement aligns with efforts across the nation, including Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which focuses on minimizing traffic-related incidents as roadway usage peaks during the holidays.
Key Enforcement Areas
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Increased vigilance to deter impaired driving.
- Speeding: Strict monitoring to enforce speed limits and reduce accidents.
- Seat Belt Compliance: Emphasis on the importance of seat belt use for all occupants.
- Move Over, Slow Down Law: Enforcement to protect emergency responders and roadside workers.
Historical Context
Last year within the 2024 holiday enforcement period, DPS issued a total of 115,314 warnings and citations. Notably, 9,183 of these were for speeding, 3,382 for driving without insurance, and 485 for seat belt and child seat violations. The department also recorded 398 felony arrests, 350 DWI arrests, and 169 fugitive arrests, underscoring the critical need for attention to traffic laws and safety regulations.
Public Safety Message
The Texas Highway Patrol maintains a firm commitment to road safety, emphasizing that troop presence aims to ensure responsible driving practices. The overarching goal is to keep every Texan safe and enable families to enjoy the holiday season while traveling.
Encouraging Responsible Driving
Motorists are encouraged to approach the season with a heightened sense of responsibility on the roads. Adhering to traffic laws, using seat belts, and remaining sober behind the wheel are essential practices everyone should commit to throughout this busy travel time. Understanding the increased presence of law enforcement could serve as a reminder to prioritize safety.
Conclusion
As we transition into the holiday season, it is vital to remain conscious of road safety. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s initiative aims to boost awareness and enforcement of traffic laws to reduce accidents and promote responsible driving in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Let’s support efforts to keep our roads safe and commit to being responsible drivers to ensure a joyful holiday experience for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the duration of the increased police presence on D-FW highways?
The increased police presence will begin on Friday, December 19, and continue through Thursday, January 1.
Which traffic violations are DPS troopers focusing on during this period?
DPS troopers will focus on violations such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), speeding, seat belt non-compliance, and adherence to the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law.
What were the enforcement statistics during the 2024 holiday period?
During the 2024 holiday enforcement period, DPS issued 115,314 warnings and citations, including 9,183 for speeding, 3,382 for driving without insurance, and 485 for seat belt and child seat violations. Additionally, DPS made 398 felony arrests, 350 DWI arrests, and 169 fugitive arrests.
What is the purpose of the Operation CARE initiative?
Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related incidents during the holiday season by increasing law enforcement presence and enforcement of traffic laws.
How can motorists stay informed about the DPS holiday traffic enforcement initiative?
Motorists can visit the official DPS website for more information on the holiday traffic enforcement initiative and related updates.
Key Features of the DPS Holiday Traffic Enforcement Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | December 19 to January 1 |
| Focus Areas | DWI, speeding, seat belt compliance, Move Over, Slow Down law |
| Historical Enforcement | 115,314 warnings and citations issued in 2024 |
| Public Safety Message | Drive responsibly and adhere to traffic laws |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
