On any given day this time of year, we could go from sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures to a sudden snowfall; and drivers in Knoxville are being reminded to follow local ordinances when the snow inevitably comes.

Local ordinances prohibit parking on all city streets when an inch or more of snowfall is expected, so drivers must be prepared to park in their own driveways or make other arrangements.

In fact, Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada tells KNIA/KRLS News there’s one local ordinance which gets bent this time of year, for the benefit of drivers.

“When the snow ordinance is in effect, we do allow you to park on your own grass,” Losada says. “Normally the city doesn’t allow people to park on the grass in their yards; during the snow ordinance, you are allowed to park on the grass in your yard.”

Your lawn is also the best place to put any snow you’ve shoveled or plowed from your driveway. Losada says homeowners aren’t allowed to leave their snow on the street, or push it into a neighbor’s yard; so moving it onto your lawn may be the best alternative.

And he warns when you’re out on the roads, snow plows have the right of way and should be treated just like emergency vehicles; you aren’t allowed to impede or closely follow one, and you should definitely be wary of the plow blade and avoid letting it hit your vehicle.