Chain Law Information
Wintertime in the Rockies presents a multitude of challenges for all drivers. Commercial vehicle drivers must learn and obey the chain laws for each state. The key for drivers is to understand the various laws in all the states in which they travel.
I've gathered information from each state and alphabetically listed each state's chaining requirements. I've also listed information from the state trucking associations on which grades are the most dangerous grades in each state.
Further contact information for each state motor carrier association and state Department of Transportation, as well as Internet sites and telephone numbers, is provided. In addition, drivers may want to note a good source for weather in the western US: www.wrh.noaa.gov.
Drivers should make the effort to be alert, be prepared and be informed. I hope that this article will be a valuable asset in their tool boxes of information.
Arizona
Arizona Trucking Association
2111 West McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85009
O: (602) 850- 6002
F: (602) 252-8008
Website: arizonatrucking.com
Art Levario - Director of Safety and Compliance
Summary:
1.) Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2.) From October 1 to May 1 studded tires are authorized.
3.) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
Difficult passes in Arizona include 17 mile grade on I-17, Texas Canyon on I-10, Salt River Canyon on US 60/70, and US 60 near Superior.
California
California Trucking Association
4148 E. Commerce Way, Sacramento, CA, 95834
O: (916) 373-3500
F: (916) 373-3637
Website: www.caltrux.org
Rich Leimbach - Director of Safety
Summary:
1.) Automatic Traction Devices (ATDs) are authorized.
2.) Snow/mud tread minimum depth is 6/32.
3.) All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on the drive tires.
4.) Trailers with brakes must be chained on one axle.
5.) Front wheel drive must have chains on the front axle.
6.) On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required.
7.) Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained.
Further information is available through CalTrans at (916) 654-4918. Road condition information is available at (910) 445-7623 or online at www.dot.ca.gov.
Difficult passes in California includeI-80 at Donner Pass, around Redding on I-5, the Grapevine on I-5, and Tehachapi on CA 58.
Colorado
Colorado Motor Carriers Association
4060 Elati Street
Denver, CO 80216
O: (303) 443-3375
F: (303) 477-6977
Patti Olsgard - Director of Safety
Patti@cmca.com
The Colorado chain law may be viewed at www.cotrip.org/.
Summary:
1.) Chains are required on every state, federal or interstate highway.
2.) Metal chains must have at least nine (9) cross links.
3.) Driver may be fined for not chaining when required.
4.) Additional fines if unchained vehicle blocks roadway.
5.) Two level chain restrictions:
- Single axle tractor trailers must chain all four drive tires (cables are not authorized).
- Chains required for all commercial motor vehicles.
6.) ATDs are authorized.
7.) Cables must be at least 0.415" diameter.
Further information is available from CDOT in a pamphlet called "Chain up Tips" or by calling the Public Information Office at (303) 757-9228. Road condition information is at (303) 639-1111.
Difficult passes in Colorado include Rabbit Ears Pass on US 40, Vail and Loveland on I-70, Raton on I-25, and Monarch on US 50.
Idaho
Idaho Motor Transport Association
5171 Overland Road
Boise, ID 83705
O: (208) 342-3521
F: (208) 343- 8397
kathyflowers@idtrucking.org
Paul Sudmeier - President
There is a pending bill in the 2005 ID legislature forming chain laws for Idaho. Idaho has no specific restriction on the use of tire chains.
Summary:
1.) Studded tires authorized between October 1 and April 30.
2.) Do not use studded tires until conditions warrant.
For daily updated information on Idaho road reports, call 888-IDA-Road (888-423-7623}. The ITD may be contacted at (208) 334-8000
Difficult passes in Idaho include LoLo on Hwy 12, July 4th and Lookout on I-90
Montana
Montana Motor Carriers Association
501 North Sanders #201
Helena, MT 59601
O: (406) 442-6600
F: (406) 443-4281
mmca@mttrucking.org
Summary:
1.) Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2.) Studded tires authorized October 1 - May 31.
3.) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
4.) Chain law overrules studded tires.
Contact Curt Rissman, Section Chief, Motor Vehicle Section at (406) 444-6130 for further information about Montana road information or online at discoveringMontana.com for camera view conditions.
Difficult passes in Montana include Lookout and Pipestone on I-90, LoLo on US 93, and Monida on I-15
New Mexico
New Mexico Trucking Association
4809 Jefferson Street, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
O: (505) 884-5575
F: (505) 884-3661
Vic Sheppard - Managing Director
Summary:
1.) Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2.) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
3.) Studded tires are authorized.
More traveler information is available by calling (800) 432-4269.
Difficult passes in New Mexico include Raton and Lalabahada Hill on I-25 and Tijeras Canyon on I-40
Nevada
Nevada Motor Transport Association
2215 Green Vista Drive Suite 301
Sparks, NV 89431-8508
O: (775) 673-6111
F: (775) 673-1700
Ray Roach- Assistant Managing Director
The Nevada chain requirements: NRS 484.643 and NRS 484.6432 may be viewed at www.nevadadot.com.
Summary:
1.) Studded tires authorized October 1 - April 30.
2.) NRS 484.643 requires chains or snow tires when posted.
3.) NRS 484.6432 require vehicles > 10,000 lbs. to chain when posted.
4.) Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are permitted in chain control areas if equipped with Mechanical Traction Devices (MTD) on drive axles.
5.) Trailers must be chained.
6.) Minimum tread depth on Mud and Snow tires is 3/16".
7.) All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on the drive tires.
8.) Trailers with brakes must be chained on one axle.
9.) Front wheel drive must have chains on the front axle.
10.) On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required.
11.) Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained.
More traveler information is available by calling (877) 687-6237
Difficult passes in Nevada include Conway Summit on US 395 at the California border, and Immigrant Pass on I-80 near Battle Mountain.
Oregon
Oregon Trucking Association
4005 S.E Naef Road
Portland, OR 97267
O: (503) 513-0005
F: (503) 513-0008
hilliker@ortrucking.org
John Sallak - Director of Safety
Summary:
1.) Studded tires authorizes November 1 - April 1.
2.) Chain law applies to all roadways.
3.) Signage dictates requirements.
4.) Drivers who disregard signage are subject to fines.
More traveler information may be found by calling (503) 588-2941. For questions regarding chain-up requirements for commercial vehicles, contact your local Port of Entry or ODOT at (800) 977-6368 or online at www.tripcheck.com/.
Difficult passes in Oregon include Siskiyou on I-5, Cabbage on I-84, and Mt. Hood on US 26.
Utah
Utah Trucking Association
975 W 2100S
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
O: (801) 973-9370
F: (801) 973-8515
Terry@utahtrucking.com
Terry Smith - Director of Safety
The Utah chain law: 41-6-150 may be viewed at www.sr.ex.state.ut.us/.
Summary:
1.) Utah only requires tire chains where posted.
2.) The chains should have minimum traction.
3.) Studded tires are authorized October 15 - April 15.
More traveler information may be found by calling (866) 511-8824 or online at www.udot.utah.gov.
Difficult passes in Utah include Daniels on US 40, Soldiers Summit on Hwy 6, and Parlyes Canyon on I-80.
Washington
Washington Truckers Association
930 South 36th Street Suite B
Federal Way, WA 98003
O: (800) 732-9019
O: (253) 838-1650
F: (253) 838-1715
N Miller - VP of Membership
The Washington chain law: WAC 204-24-050 may be viewed at www.wsdot.wa.gov/.
Summary:
1.) All vehicles over 10,000 GVW shall carry two (2) extra chains.
2.) Plastic cross links not allowed.
3.) Must carry chains from November 1 to April 1.
4.) Cable chains are allowed.
5.) Studded tires are authorized November 1 - March 31.
Washington State Patrol has a tri-fold pamphlet called "Minimum Chain Requirements" giving details on chain positioning. More traveler information may be found by calling (800) 695 7623 or online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/.
Difficult passes in Washington include Blewett Pass on SR 97, Chinook Pass on SR 410, Cle Elum to Teanaway on SR 970, Gibbons Creek to Intersection of Cliffs Rd. on SR 14, Mt. Baker Highway on SR 542, Newhalem to Winthrop on SR 20, North Cascade Hwy on Hwy 20, Omak to Nespelem on SR 155, Satus Pass on SR 97, Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, Stevens Pass on SR 2, and White Pass on SR 12.
Wyoming
Wyoming Trucking Association, Inc.
555 Poplar Street
Casper, WY 82601
O: (307) 234-1579
F: (307) 234-7082
Sheila Foertsch - Managing Director
The Wyoming chain law: 31 5 956 may be viewed at www.wyoroad.info/
Summary:
1.) Studded tires are legal all year.
2.) Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
3.) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
4.) Travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive or chain equipped vehicles/snow tires.
5.) Minimum tread depth is 4/32 steer; 2/32 other position.
6.) Persons selling tires must comply with minimum tread depth.
7.) Applies to motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and mopeds.
More traveler information may be found by calling (307) 772-0824 or online at www.wyoroad.info/.
Difficult passes in Wyoming include Elk Mountain on I-80, between Rock Springs and Evanston on I-80, and South Pass near Jackson on US 191.
