*Denotes states that have laws requiring Drivers to carry tire chains either always, or during specific periods. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California* Colorado* Connecticut Delaware Florida (no chain laws)
Full Answer
What states allow you to drive with chains?
1 Alabama. The use of tire chains shall be permitted upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, rain, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide ... 2 Alaska. ... 3 Arizona. ... 4 Arkansas. ... 5 California. ... 6 Colorado. ... 7 Connecticut. ... 8 Delaware. ... 9 Georgia. ... 10 Idaho. ... More items...
Do you have to have a chain on a Colorado Road?
The Colorado chain law may be viewed at www.cotrip.org/. Chains are required on every state, federal or interstate highway. Metal chains must have at least nine (9) cross links. Driver may be fined for not chaining when required. Additional fines if unchained vehicle blocks roadway.
How many chains do I need to carry in Michigan?
Chains must be carried Nov. 1 through April 1. It takes five chains to comply with the requirement. However, all vehicles of more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight must carry two extra chains in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains or if chains in use are broken or otherwise useless.
Where to carry chains in the USA?
11 Places In The U.S. Where You Need To Carry Chains 1 California. 2 Colorado. 3 Idaho. 4 Montana. 5 Nevada. 6 New Mexico. 7 Oregon. 8 South Dakota. 9 Utah. 10 Washington. More items...
What states require chains?
Montana. Montana requires chains in areas that are indicated by signs. The minimum requirement for chains is that you must have chains on drive wheels of one axel. 5. Nevada. Although there are no specific laws for or against chains in Nevada, your chains must be the right size for your tires.
When are chains required in Nevada?
In northern Nevada mountain passes, chains may be required from mid-October to mid-June. 6. New Mexico. New Mexico doesn’t have any chain laws, but chains are allowed when they are of reasonable proportion, in order to add traction when there is snow and ice on the road.
How to put chains on tires?
Installing chains to your tires is relatively simple. Find an empty car park nearby, take your chains out, and untangle them so that why appear in a web-like shape. You want to place your chains on different tires, depending on the type of car you have: for front-wheel-drive vehicles, you’ll want to place your chains on the front two tires, and you’ll want chains on your back two tires from rear-wheel-drive vehicles. For more assistance, check out these resources:
Why are cable chains allowed?
Line chains, cable chains, or other devices that attach to the wheels of your vehicle/outside the tire are allowed in order to create traction when the weather is severe. You’ll be notified of chain requirements by signs located along the roadways.
How many chains do you need for a trailer?
When the weather gets really rough, trucks and trailers are required to have eight chains, so be sure to at least this number on you when you set out on your drive if you're in an RV. When going over mountain passes, your vehicle will be screened to make sure you have chains, so make sure you come prepared.
When are cable chains required in Washington?
10. Washington. All commercial vehicles are required to carry chains on a majority of Washington roadways from November 1st to April 1st. While cable chains are approved here, plastic chains are not, so be sure you have the right kind before you set out on your drive through Washington.
When can you use chains in Utah?
Although there are no specific rules about the use of chains in Utah, it is recommend that you carry one set of chains from November 1st to March 31st. You’ll be made aware of these chain up requirements by signs along the roadways.
What states allow chains?
Connecticut Cables and chains are permitted only from Nov. 15 through April 30. The chains can not be damaging to the highway’s surface. No minimum number of chains is outlined in the regulations. Violations will start with a warning, but all subsequent offenses will result in a fine not more than $200. Delaware You are permitted to use chains on highways from October 15 through April 15 “for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.” State officials can restrict travel on highways during emergency situations. Georgia At any time the Georgia Department of Transportation may close or limit access to certain highways during inclement weather. If this occurs, signage will be placed to inform drivers that chains are required in order to proceed. For commercial vehicles, chains must be placed on the outermost drive tires. Any driver who causes a wreck or blocks the flow of traffic when not complying with the above laws on a limited-access highway will be fined up to $1,000. Idaho Officials with the Idaho Department of Transportation can determine that it is unsafe to drive over Lookout Pass and Fourth of July Pass on I-90, and Lolo Pass on Highway 12. If it is deemed unsafe, then you will be required to chain up a minimum of one tire on each drive axle and one axle at or near the rear. sSigns will alert you when to chain up. Idaho defines chains as two circular metal loops, one on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine evenly spaced chains across the tread. Illinois The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Indiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Indiana also allows “tires in which have been inserted ice grips or tire studs, including retractable tire studs” from Oct. 1 to the following May 1. Just make sure those studs are no more than 3/32 of an inch beyond the tread of the traction surface and do not damage the road. Iowa The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kansas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Kentucky No person shall use on a highway not covered with ice a vehicle with a chained wheel unless the wheel rests upon an ice-shoe at least 6 inches wide. When chains are used on rubber-tired vehicles, the cross chains shall be not more than three-fourths (3/4) of an inch in thickness or diameter, and shall be spaced not more than ten inches apart, around the circumference of the tires. Louisiana The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maine Vehicles cannot have tires with metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread from May 1 through Oct. 1. Other than that time frame, there is nothing noted within the law regulating the use of tire chains, and that time frame can be extended if needed, other than that the use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Maryland Chains may be required in Maryland if a snow emergency is declared. Snow emergencies can be declared for individual roads or statewide. Travel – other than for motorcycles – is prohibited on any highway that is designated and appropriately marked by signs as a vehicle emergency route when a snow emergency is in effect unless the vehicle is equipped with chains or snow tires on at least one wheel at each end of a driving axle. Massachusetts Massachusetts prohibits the use of studded tires and chains between May 1 and Nov. 1 without a permit. It should also be noted that commercial vehicles can be ordered off the roadways during “snow emergencies.” Michigan The use of chains is allowed for safety when snow, ice, or other condition are present. If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface. Minnesota The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Mississippi The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Missouri No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any road or highway of this state between the first day of April and the first day of November while the motor vehicle is equipped with tires containing metal or carbide studs. The law suggests a time frame, but weather is typically fine April through November anyway. Montana If the Montana Department of Transportation determines that highways are too dangerous for travel, roadside sings will tell drivers when to chain up. The state’s requirement when the law is in effect is for all “driver wheels” to be chained up. Violations will result in a $25 fine. Nebraska The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Nevada Roadside signs will let you know when chaining up is required. In Nevada, truckers will need to chain at least two wheels on the main drive axle. You are also required to chain the “braking wheels of any trailing vehicle in a combination of vehicles.” New Hampshire Nothing in the state statutes addresses snow tires or tire chains specifically. However, the New Hampshire driver’s manual found on the official New Hampshire website recommends tire chains in slippery conditions. So we can assume they’re good to go during inclement weather. New Jersey New Jersey goes a little beyond the standard “chains are permitted when needed” directive. However, no chains shall be used at any time on improved highways when highway conditions do not make such use necessary for the “safety of life or property.” New Mexico The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. New York If New York officials, either state or local, post a route as a snow emergency route, all vehicles traveling on it will be required to have snow tires and/or chains. There are no specifics mandating the number of chains or placement. North Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. North Dakota In addition to the standard “chains whenever reasonably needed,” North Dakota also allows metal studs within 1/16 inch beyond tread from Oct. 15 through April 15. Ohio In addition to the standard “chains whenever reasonably needed,” the state also allows metal studs within 1/16 inch beyond tread from Nov. 1 through April 15. Oklahoma The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Oregon Oregon’s law applies to all highways in the state. Signs will tell you when you are required to carry chains and when you are required to use them. You will need to have six chains on hand to comply in Oregon. A tandem-drive-axle tractor must have chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle (in other words, all four tires of the main axle); or If both axles are powered, one tire on each side of each drive axle (again, four chains total required; you just don’t have to chain the inside tires). Chains must also be placed on two tires, one on each side, of any axle on the trailer. The chains can be both on the front axle, both on the rear axle or staggered with one outside tire on the front and the outside tire of the opposite rear axle. Pennsylvania The state can declare emergency snow routes. If officials declare a snow emergency route when the roadway is covered with ice or snow, only vehicles with snow tires or “tire chains on two tires on a driven axle” may proceed. Rhode Island The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Carolina The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. South Dakota The South Dakota DOT has the authority to restrict travel on roads. Signs will alert you to these restrictions. Violating the restrictions could land you with a Class 2 misdemeanor conviction. Tire chains or “sufficient traction devices” are allowed. You don’t have to wait for the signs to tell you to put on your chains. Chains also are permitted if conditions tending to cause a skid are present. Tennessee Take caution as Tennessee sends mixed signals with its regulations. In one reg, it says that it is “permissible” to use snow chains when conditions warrant. However, elsewhere, the Volunteer State requires that every truck “likely to encounter” conditions carry at least one set of chains. Texas The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice, or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Utah The Utah DOT has the authority to restrict highway travel between Oct. 1 and April 30 to vehicles either running chains or at least having them in your possession. You will need to install four or more chains on the “drive wheel” tires. A Class B misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 can be given for violating chain laws. Vermont Vermont has a traffic committee that will decide if use of chains will be required. The regulation mandates that the “advance notice shall be given to the traveling public through signage and, whenever possible, through public service announcements.” This language also mandates that adequate space be provided to chain up. Vehicles with semitrailers or trailers that have a tandem-drive axle towing a trailer shall have chains:
When are tire chains required in Virginia?
Virginia The use of tire chains are allowed when required for safety during a time of snow, ice , or another condition that might cause slippery highways. Washington Any commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating mustcarry chains from November 1 to April 1 when driving on one of the below routes. It takes five chains to comply with the requirement. On a dual-axle tractor, the outside tires on both axles will need to be chained in addition to one tire on either side of either trailer axle. Tractors equipped with wide-base singles will have to chain each tire on each drive axle.
How many tires are on each side of the primary drive axle?
On two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and
What is level 1 in trucking?
Level 1 – Single-axle combination commercial vehicles must chain up. Trucks must have all four drive tires in chains. When level 1 is in effect, all other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains.
When can you use chains on Sterling Highway?
If operating a vehicle on Sterling Highway, truckers are not permitted to use chains from May 1 through Sept. 15.
How many types of chain laws are there in Colorado?
Note: Colorado has two different types of chain laws:
Why are tire chains allowed?
The use of tire chains is allowed on any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, rain or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.
What is the fine for not having chains on a truck?
If truckers do not put chains on their trucks when the law is in effect, the fine is $500 plus a $78 surcharge. If truckers do not put chains on and end up blocking the highway, the fine will increase to $1,000 plus a $156 surcharge.
How far apart should chains be on a road?
When chains are used on rubber-tired vehicles, the cross chains shall not be more than three-fourths (3/4) of an inch in thickness or diameter and shall be spaced not more than ten inches apart, around the circumference of the tires.
How many chains do you need for a tractor trailer?
Drivers will usually have about a mile between “chains required” signs and the checkpoint to install your chains. During winter weather, it takes at least eight chains for a standard tractor-trailer configuration to comply with the regulations.
What is level 2 in trucking?
Level 2 – When level 2 is in effect, all commercial vehicles are required to chain up the four drive tires.
How many chains do you need to carry in Washington?
In Washington state, drivers must carry chains from Nov. 1 through April 1. It takes five chains to comply with the requirement. However, all vehicles of more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight must carry two extra chains in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains, or if chains in use are broken or otherwise useless.
Why do truck drivers have to use chains?
The following states have some of the strictest chain laws in the country because of frequent snowstorms and areas of rugged terrain.
What are the restrictions on trucking in Utah?
In Utah, drivers of commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels, other than a bus, will need to affix tire chains to at least four of the drive wheel tires.
How many chains do you need for a tractor trailer in California?
California. California does not require truckers to carry chains during any specified time period. When the weather hits, though, it takes at least eight chains for a standard tractor-trailer configuration to be in compliance with the regulations.
What is the fine for not chaining up?
If a driver gets busted for not carrying chains, the fine is $50 plus a $17 surcharge. If a driver doesn’t chain up when required, he or she can be fined $500, plus a $79 surcharge. If a trucker blocks the road as a result of not chaining up when the law was in effect, the fine is $1,000, plus a $157 surcharge.
Which state has the strictest chain law?
Colorado. Overall, Colorado has among the strictest chain laws, which begin earlier in the season than those of any other state. Colorado ’s chain law applies to every state, federal and interstate highway within its borders from Sept. 1 through May 31.
Where are chainsaws required in California?
Chains are most often required in the higher mountain passes of Northern California, such as on 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.
How many extra chains are required for a vehicle?
All vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW shall carry a minimum of 2 extra chains for use in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains or that chains in use are broken or otherwise made useless, WAC 204-24-050 (2) (f).
Is it illegal to move on a mountain pass?
Movement by permit on mountain passes is prohibited where any of the following signs are displayed:
Is a vehicle required to cross the mountain pass?
Vehicles making local deliveries as indicated on bills of lading and not crossing the mountain pass are exempt from this requirement if operating outside of the chain required area.
How many chains do you need to carry in Oregon?
OR law applies to ALL highways in the state. Signs advise when you are required to carry chains and when you are required to use them. You will need to have six chains on hand to comply in Oregon.
When do you have to carry tire chains?
The following routes require all vehicles and combinations of vehicles of more than 10,000 pounds to carry sufficient tire chains from Nov. 1 to April 1 to meet the requirements:
How many chains are required for a trailer in Idaho?
Placement: If the alert is in effect, you will have to chain up a minimum of one tire on each side of drive axles and one axle at or near the rear of each trailer. Idaho defines chains as two circular metal loops, one on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine evenly spaced chains across the tread. Studs are prohibited between May 1 and Sept. 30.
How many tires are required to have chains in Wyoming?
Placement: When Wyoming officials enact the chain law, commercial vehicles must have chains on at least the two outside tires of one drive axle.
Where to put chain on Caltrans trailer?
Placement: 4 chains must be on all four tires of the main drive axle. Two more chains are required on the outside tires of the second drive axle. You have options on the placement of the two more required chains on the trailer axles. Chains can be placed on the outside of either axle or staggered with one chain on the outside of each axle. Remember, while not typically required, CalTrans can require chains on the inside duals if conditions are bad enough.
When does chain law go into effect?
The chain law goes into effect when roadside signs tell all drivers to chain up.
Can you use plastic chains on a chainsaw?
Chains must have two sides attached with cross-sections. Cables can be permitted. Plastic chains are prohibited.
When do you have to carry chains on a highway?
Drivers on more than 600 miles of certain interstate and state highways must carry sufficient chains to meet the requirements from Nov. 1 to April 1, or at other times when chains may be required for such vehicles. A list of those roads is available here.
Which state has the strictest chain law?
The following states have some of the strictest chain laws in the country, based on various factors. Overall, Colorado seems to have the strictest chain law. The rest of the top five states are listed in no particular order.
What is the fine for not using chains in Oregon?
25, the fine for commercial vehicle drivers not using chains when required is a minimum of $880. This is according to a law enacted earlier this year. ODOT will be doing some outreach in the next few weeks to educate the trucking industry.
When are studded tires legal in Oregon?
Studded tires are legal in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31. However, because of the damage studded tires can cause to roads, ODOT encourages drivers to use them only when necessary. For information on placement of chains or traction tires, go here.
How much does it cost to not chain up a trailer?
Caster said the fee for not chaining up is usually $58, in addition to court fees, which vary from county to county.
Do you have to carry chains in Nevada?
Nevada Highway Patrol trooper Charles Caster told FreightWaves that Nevada doesn’t require commercial drivers to carry chains during any certain period of the year. However, truckers are required to chain up on any street or highway in the state during icy or snowy conditions, as indicated by roadside message signs.
Does Colorado require chains on trailers?
Truckers must chain up on the four drive tires to be compliant, but chains are not required on trailers.
What size chain is required for commercial vehicles?
Chains required for all commercial motor vehicles. ATDs are authorized. 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.
How many chains are required for a semi trailer?
On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required. Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained. Further information is available through CalTrans at (916) 654-6723. Road condition information is available at (916) 445-7623 or online at www.dot.ca.gov.
How to contact the ODOT for chain up?
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/.
How many cross links are needed for a chain?
Metal chains must have at least nine (9) cross links.
What is the minimum snow tread depth for a semi trailer?
Snow/mud tread minimum depth is 6/32. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on the drive tires. Trailers with brakes must be chained on one axle. Front wheel drive must have chains on the front axle. On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required. Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained.
Where to find the Utah chain law?
The Utah chain law: 41-6-150 may be viewed at www.sr.ex.state.ut.us/.
Is there a restriction on tire chains in Idaho?
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.
California
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
South Dakota
Utah
Washington
- All commercial vehicles are required to carry chains on a majority of Washington roadways from November 1st to April 1st. While cable chains are approved here, plastic chains are not, so be sure you have the right kind before you set out on your drive through Washington. You can be made aware of chain requirements by signs along the roadways.