I used https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ to look up road conditions for the 18, 33, and 330 highways in Southern California and it's showing no restrictions. The weather in Big Bear is shown as being clear with no chance of precipitation for the coming week, so you should be okay without chains. Be careful of melting snow that freezes into ice at night.
Do I need snow chains to drive to Big Bear Lake?
There are 3 ways up and 3 ways home from Big Bear Lake, CA which means snow chains may be required on one highway and not the other, so you should always carry chains in your vehicle during the winter months, even if your car has snow tires. Tire chains are typically not required on all 4 wheels.
Is it safe to drive to Big Bear?
Fog and fallen rock can create driving hazards, and it is best to make the trip during the day for the best visibility. We want all visitors to enjoy their stay in Big Bear. Please be sure to always check Big Bear road conditions prior to departing, select your route carefully and have a safe trip! You can check weather here.
Do I need chains or turnouts in Big Bear?
Turnouts are available for slower drivers with a few passing lane opportunities. Chains are frequently required for winter months when snow is present. Fog and fallen rock can create driving hazards, and it is best to make the trip during the day for the best visibility. We want all visitors to enjoy their stay in Big Bear.
How do I get to Big Bear Lake?
Take the CA-210 East to the CA-330 North (Mountain Resorts / Big Bear Lake). Follow the CA-330 North and when you arrive at Running Springs the CA-330 changes to the CA-18.
How fast can you drive with snow chains?
When do you need to carry chains in your car?
What supplies do you need to drive in snow?
Do you need chains on your front or rear axle?
Can you rent a car with chains?
Do you need chains to tow a trailer?
Is it legal to use studded tires in California?
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Tire chain requirements on road to Big Bear - Toyota Nation Forum
not really sure about big bear and chains. i don't think you will need them up in mammoth i have been up there quite a bit and with 4 wheel drive they don't really mess with you. it is a good idea to have a set of chains with you just incase, i have had a CHP officer up in mammoth stop me and just check to see if i had them and let me go because 4 wheel drive and i think it was a R3. good idea ...
Big Bear Winter Driving- Chains or not? - California Forum
Hi, My family and I are going to Big Bear Mountain for a 2 day stay as part of our holiday, and I have been reading around that it is state law that chains must be in the car during winter months. We will be driving a rental 4WD, but they do not allow snow chain hire, and in some cases do not allow chains to be fitted at all, and that all damages will be on us.
Tire chains - Big Bear Lake Forum - Tripadvisor
if one is heading to Big Bear from San Diego and needs chains for ANY vehicle - the place to get them is *here* snowtraction.com -- properly fitted, correctly sized, and *approaperately used* snowchains will NOT damage the vehicle they're mounted on and therefore you will have no worries if obtained from us.. We do NOT "rent" however -- NObody does anymore, *we* never did -- too many issues ...
Best snow chain rental near Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 - Yelp
Reviews on Snow Chain Rental in Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 - Chains Required Bike Shop, Blauer Ski & Board, Goldsmith's Sports, Scotty's Ride Shop, Big Bear Boards, Getboards, Twin Bear Equipment Rentals, Potter's Mtn Sports, Mile High Sports
Truck Chain Requirements | Caltrans - California Department of ...
Chain Requirements (PDF) - diagrammed instructions for applying chains to your vehicle Chain Controls - types of chain controls and snow-tread tire information ; Road Conditions - current road conditions, including chain requirements ; Frequently Asked Questions What are the dates for the chain law? California does not have any specific dates when vehicles are required to carry chains.
How fast can you drive with snow chains?
Generally, 20 to 30 mph is the recommended speed limit for driving with snow chains. This helps prevent chains from breaking and from potentially damaging your vehicle. Do not drive on dry roads with chains as it can significantly wear down both the chains and your tire tread.
When do you need to carry chains in your car?
Yes. You will need to carry tire chains in your vehicle from November 1 to April 30 whether or not you actually use them. When CalTrans calls for chain restrictions, you will need to adhere to chain requirements. See Question 12 for levels of chain control.
What supplies do you need to drive in snow?
It is recommended that you carry extra supplies in your vehicles such as a jack, a shovel, kitty litter, and ice scrapers to help manage snow/ice conditions.
Do you need chains on your front or rear axle?
Chains and traction devices need to be installed on the wheels of your drive axle. Refer to your vehicle guide to determine if your vehicle is front axle or rear axle drive. All-wheel drive vehicles and 4-wheel drive vehicles may have chains installed on either drive axle, but the rear axle is preferred unless the vehicle manufacturer recommends the front axle.
Can you rent a car with chains?
No. Some car rental companies may not allow chains on their inventory for various reasons, however this does not excuse you from carrying them or installing them if Caltrans requires it . The best bet if you’re worried about snowy roads is to rent either an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle for your journey.
Do you need chains to tow a trailer?
You need to use chains if you’re towing a trailer. If the trailer has brakes, you must have at least one axle chained.
Is it legal to use studded tires in California?
No. Though studded tires are legal in California from Nov. 1 until Apr. 30 each year, studded tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains. Snow tires have the designation “Mud & Snow” or an abbreviation such as “M-S,” “M+S,” or “M/S” marked on the tire sidewall. Tires without this designation are not considered snow tires. Snow tires must also have at least 6/32-inch (3/16”) of tread depth (about 1/2 of the original tread depth). Same as studded tires, snow tires may not be used in lieu of chains.
What to carry in car when snowing?
Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it’s “snowed in”, sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands.
What is the shortest route to Las Vegas?
Hwy 18 – Lucerne Valley. The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy Hwy 18 is the quickest way to/from Barstow, Las Vegas, and other high desert locations. This route has the least amount of mountain driving.
What are the things to make sure your car is in top condition?
Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
Do you need chains on a four wheel drive?
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle. R-3: Chains required – ALL VEHICLES – no exceptions. IT’S THE LAW: Carry tire chains at all times during winter travel in the mountains.
Do you need chains when traveling in the winter?
Always carry chains when traveling in the winter mountains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. You might also want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels.
Do you have to carry tire chains in the mountains?
IT’S THE LAW: Carry tire chains at all times during winter travel in the mountains. SNOW PLAY ON OR NEAR ROADWAYS IS VERY DANGEROUS – DON’T DO IT! – DON’T RISK IT !
Is Big Bear a mountain?
Big Bear is a mountain community and getting here takes a little consideration regarding route, time of year and time of day. Turnouts are available for slower drivers with a few passing lane opportunities. Chains are frequently required for winter months when snow is present.
When do I need chains?
You must stop and put on chains when CalTrans mandates it. Highway signs will indicate that chains are required. Checkpoints will not allow you to pass unless you abide by the mandate.
How fast can you go with a chain?
The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour.
How do I find the right chains for my tires?
Check your vehicle owners manual and your tires for specifications on tire chains. It’s important to buy chains or other traction that are the correct size for your tires. Link-type chains that are too big will bang against the body your vehicle causing significant damage. Chains and other traction that are too small won’t fit around the tire at all.
How far away should you stop on ice?
Keep 3 car lengths away from the vehicle in front of you. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as you would normally need to brake.
When driving uphill on an icy road, do you need momentum?
When driving uphill on an icy road, you will need momentum. Slowing can cause you to slide backwards into traffic behind you.
Can you rent a chain car on Caltrans?
Many car rental companies may not allow chains on their inventory for various reasons, however this does not excuse you from carrying them or installing them if Caltrans requires it. The best bet if you’re worried about snowy roads is to rent either an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle for your journey.
Do you need chains to tow a trailer?
You need to use chains if you’re towing a trailer. If the trailer has brakes, you must have at least one axle chained.
How fast can you drive with snow chains?
Generally, 20 to 30 mph is the recommended speed limit for driving with snow chains. This helps prevent chains from breaking and from potentially damaging your vehicle. Do not drive on dry roads with chains as it can significantly wear down both the chains and your tire tread.
When do you need to carry chains in your car?
Yes. You will need to carry tire chains in your vehicle from November 1 to April 30 whether or not you actually use them. When CalTrans calls for chain restrictions, you will need to adhere to chain requirements. See Question 12 for levels of chain control.
What supplies do you need to drive in snow?
It is recommended that you carry extra supplies in your vehicles such as a jack, a shovel, kitty litter, and ice scrapers to help manage snow/ice conditions.
Do you need chains on your front or rear axle?
Chains and traction devices need to be installed on the wheels of your drive axle. Refer to your vehicle guide to determine if your vehicle is front axle or rear axle drive. All-wheel drive vehicles and 4-wheel drive vehicles may have chains installed on either drive axle, but the rear axle is preferred unless the vehicle manufacturer recommends the front axle.
Can you rent a car with chains?
No. Some car rental companies may not allow chains on their inventory for various reasons, however this does not excuse you from carrying them or installing them if Caltrans requires it . The best bet if you’re worried about snowy roads is to rent either an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle for your journey.
Do you need chains to tow a trailer?
You need to use chains if you’re towing a trailer. If the trailer has brakes, you must have at least one axle chained.
Is it legal to use studded tires in California?
No. Though studded tires are legal in California from Nov. 1 until Apr. 30 each year, studded tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains. Snow tires have the designation “Mud & Snow” or an abbreviation such as “M-S,” “M+S,” or “M/S” marked on the tire sidewall. Tires without this designation are not considered snow tires. Snow tires must also have at least 6/32-inch (3/16”) of tread depth (about 1/2 of the original tread depth). Same as studded tires, snow tires may not be used in lieu of chains.
