The SafeClear Program is a traffic program in the city of Houston, Texas, United States. The program requires that vehicles which are stalled due to any reason (engine troubles, out of gas, etc.) on Houston freeways be immediately towed. The purpose of the program is to reduce traffic congestion and to make freeways safer by making freeways clearer. The reasoning is that many freeway accidents are the result of disabled vehicles. The program was initially created in 2005 by Houston Mayor Bill White. SafeClear initially required that the driver of the stalled vehicle pay to have it towed off the freeway, but at a lower rate than typically charged by towing companies. The program was created to relieve the severe backups on Houston's freeways during the morning and evening rush hours and to make the freeways safer.

The program encountered great controversy when it was first implemented for several reasons. Tow truck drivers claimed that the program hurt their business, leading nine wrecker companies to file lawsuits against the city. Mayor White testified in court in the case. The tow truck drivers claimed the program violated federal law. In addition the SafeClear Program has been blamed for causing the deaths of people while trying to get their cars off the freeway without having to pay fees to the tow truck drivers. State lawmakers were also opposed to the program. State Senator and fellow Democrat John Whitmire marshaled 30 out of 31 Texas State Senators' votes to make the SafeClear program illegal. They demanded and later received improvements to the program. Mayor White responded to the controversy and criticism by changing the rules of the program and the towing laws, including free towing for limited distances (one mile) funded by the city. Distances after the initial mile could then be set by the towing company.

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