Commercial truck drivers have a difficult job, especially during winter storms. Many states require drivers to use chains in order to improve traction and drive safely. Based on a variety of factors, the following states have some of the strictest chain laws in the country. Overall, Colorado appears to have the most stringent chain law. The remaining top five states are listed alphabetically.
Colorado
The commercial vehicle chain law in Colorado applies to all state, federal, and interstate highways within the state’s borders. In the event of hazardous winter weather, Colorado Department of Transportation static and electronic variable message road signs will alert drivers to the need to put chains on their tires. To be compliant, truckers must chain up the four drive tires, but chains are not required on trailers.
The chain law will be in effect from September 1 to May 31. Commercial drivers are only required to carry chains on Interstate 70 between the Dotsero (Milepost 133) and Morrison exits during this time (Milepost 259). This is due to the fact that the weather can change quickly along this stretch of highway, and drivers may be forced to chain up at any time. A fine of $50 plus a $17 surcharge is imposed for failing to carry chains.
The following fines are imposed statewide:
• $500 plus a $79 surcharge if chains are not installed when required.
• $1,000 plus a $157 surcharge for blocking a road due to a lack of chains.
Joel Waidner, a Schuster trucker, told FreightWaves that he has driven through several winter storms in Colorado with previous companies. Waidner said it took him 45 minutes to an hour to chain up, depending on how hard it snowed at the time.
“I keep a block in my truck and drive upon it, then I slide the chains on, and I have a tool that clamps them down,” Waidner explained.
He admitted that he would prefer not to spend time chaining up because time is money. But, when the choice is between risking an accident and breaking the law and waiting out the storm, he chooses the latter. Waidner said he’s seen serious accidents caused by truck drivers who don’t put chains on their tires.
“Your life isn’t worth the risk.” “It’s not worth risking your life,” Waidner added.
Nevada
According to Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Charles Caster, commercial drivers are not required to carry chains at any time of the year. During icy or snowy conditions, truckers are required to chain upon any street or highway in the state, as indicated by roadside message signs.
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more are required to use chains or alternative traction devices (ATDs) on drive wheels and trailer braking wheels. According to Caster, the fee for not chaining up is usually $58, in addition to court fees, which vary by county.
Between October 1 and April 30, studded snow tires are permitted. Retractable studded snow tires, on the other hand, maybe used at any time, but only with the studs retracted from May 1 to September 30.
When chain requirements are in effect, only four-wheel or all-wheel vehicles with snow tires, as well as vehicles equipped with approved tire chains, are permitted on the following roads:
• 431 State Route (Mount Rose Highway).
• State Highway 207 (Kingsbury Grade).
• US Highway 50, which connects Glenbrook and Carson City.
California
There are no specific dates in California when commercial drivers are required to carry chains. When roads are marked with chain-required signs, all heavy-duty vehicles with a GVW of more than 6,500 pounds must be equipped with chains mounted on the tires in order to proceed.
Drivers can use traditional tire chains and cable chains, as well as non-traditional devices such as a Spikes-Spider. The chain requirement level specifies which tires and how many must be chained.
Drivers who violate the chain law may be cited and fined by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), but the CHP has not responded to FreightWaves’ questions about the fine amounts.
Chains are most commonly required in Northern California’s higher mountain passes, such as Interstate 5 north of Redding, Interstate 80 over Donner Pass between Sacramento and Reno, and U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
Washington
“All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more shall carry a minimum of two extra chains for use in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains, or in the event that chains in use are broken or otherwise rendered useless,” states Washington’s chain law.
Furthermore, approved chains must have at least two side chains with enough hardened metal cross chains attached so that at least one cross-chain touches the road surface at all times.
From November 1 to April 1, drivers on more than 600 miles of certain interstate and state highways must carry enough chains to meet the requirements, or at other times when chains may be required for such vehicles.
According to the Washington State Patrol, failure to carry chains when required results in a $139 fine; failure to install chains when required results in a $503 fine.
Oregon
Oregon’s chain law applies to all state highways. During winter conditions, road sign messages typically inform drivers if chains are required and when they must be used. Drivers are also advised to chain up in some areas by lighted message signs.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), beginning September 25, the fine for commercial vehicle drivers who do not use chains when required is a minimum of $880. This is in accordance with a law passed earlier this year. ODOT will conduct outreach to the trucking industry in the coming weeks.
From November 1 to March 31, studded tires are legal in Oregon. However, due to the damage studded tires can cause to roads, ODOT advises drivers to use them only when absolutely necessary.
