Can I park overnight in a Chainup Area?

I was driving in Oregon West on I-84 and before Cabage Hill, there was the chainup sign with lights blinking. There was enough room for me to pull into the chainup area.

I have only chained a few times. I installed chains on 2 tires before it started getting dark. I was planning to stay overnight, since the snow was light and the chainup area had emptied. Also, I only had a flashlight which was making the chaining difficult. I felt it was safer to wait for daylight hours. I have since purchased a headlamp to work hands free. However, a chain person came over and helped install the rest for 25 dollars and I left.

The company I work for has a policy to only use chains in emergencies.

My question, can you stay in the chainup area overnight? Will the highway patrol knock on the door asking to move? Can you stay overnight if you run out of hours?

Thanks!

 

No.

 

there's a rest area before mt.emily.

 

I smell a troll, but...


No... And even if you could, you dont want to... How will you get out when you wake up to find a 4 foot tall birm of snow the plows have pushed up all around your truck??? I'll tell you how, a tow truck... And your company will not be happy... You got the chains on so roll on... Slowly.

 

So when chains are required and your sleeping in the chain up area, where are the drivers that dont mind chaining and rolling after "dark" supposed to chain with you in everyones way?

 

It's important in western states to be aware of when winter weather has recently impacted or may soon impact areas of a state BEFORE you get too committed into a journey across "chain prone areas". If you're not going to chain, and if chaining may be or is currently required, stay put in a safe area, well away from critical areas and passes.

 

I hate this man...

 

Ok, no parking in a chainup area, thanks. I was out of hours at the time, I believe that you are allowed a few hours to drive out of there, right?

 

Back in 08 or so a CRST truck parked in the chain up area on the Idaho side of Lolo Pass because they didn’t want to chain. I was always curious what their bill was the next day after getting dug and towed out.

 

Sure go ahead and park there if you don't mind the rest of us lighting your truck on fire to keep us warm while we are chaining up.

 

Thanks, that's why I rarely chain up at all. I avoid those situations. The roads were great and I was headed to Portland and weather was good that day. I made it a point to get there before dark. It took my off guard..