In Texas, we’ve seen a lot of things dragged down the road- coolers, barbecue pits, the occasional ex-in-law’s mattress- but nothing gets folks talking like a full-blown car being towed with a chain. By now, you’ve probably seen that viral video of a woman in Houston who towed her boyfriend’s car with a chain- as you can imagine, things did not go well!
As it turns out, that’s not just backyard problem-solving- it might actually be legal (emphasis on might). The recent video out of Houston stirs up a debate that’s half “that’s illegal” and half “that’s just Tuesday in Texas.” So what does the law say about it? Let’s break it down before you throw a chain in your truck bed and go full cowboy.
What the Law Actually Says About Towing with a Chain in Texas
First things first: yes, it can be legal to tow a car with a chain in Texas- but only if you follow some very specific rules that make it slightly more legit than just tying your buddy’s sedan to your bumper and hollering “let’s ride.”
According to the Texas Transportation Code, you can use a chain, cable, or rope to tow a vehicle as long as you attach a white cloth or flag that’s at least 12 inches square to the connection. That flag isn’t just for decoration- it’s meant to alert other drivers that you’re doing something unconventional…