In reference to the heli incidents here in DFW back in the 1990s, we were told by the local FAA that the news/traffic heli in question was only cleared to fly at very low alttitudes directly over the roadway and associated right of way (shoulders, access roads, etc.)

With the low flying incident at the jr college, the heli was 200-300 yards to one side of the edge of the road right of way.