HOUSTON – If you’re driving in Texas and winter weather hits, you might wonder about the rules for using tire chains. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can stay safe and legal on the road.
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With Old Man Winter knocking at our front door with the potential for up to six inches of snow, sleet, and ice, driving is going to be dangerous to say the least.
The City of Houston and Harris County both told KPRC 2 that they don’t own any snowplows. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) owns a few that they’re bringing to the Houston metro.
That means many roads and highways won’t be cleared of snow until Mother Nature warms up and melts the snow away.
The safest thing to do is NOT to drive unless absolutely necessary.
However, one way to make your drive a tad bit safer is by using tire chains.
Are they legal in Texas?
In Texas, the law says you can use tire chains when conditions like snow or ice make the roads slippery.
This means if you’re worried about skidding, it’s okay to put on those chains to get better traction.
But there’s a catch: you must ensure the chains don’t damage the road. So, use them only when you really need to, and make sure they’re the right fit for your tires.
Safety is key when it comes to tire chains.
The Texas Department of Transportation suggests putting them on only when the weather calls for it and taking them off once the roads are clear.
This helps keep the roads in good shape and ensures your drive is as smooth as possible.
To sum it up, tire chains are legal in Texas when the weather gets rough, but it’s important to follow the guidelines in the Texas Transportation Code Sec. 547.612.
By doing so, you can drive safely and help protect the roads for everyone.
