How to know if you need chains.

Does MT ever demand chains? Been across there many times, never saw a sign or any direction. Mostly across 90 to 94 and across the top. Plenty of times the conditions were less than ideal let's say, definitely earned my money some days, but now got wondering, does MT ever demand chains or is it left up to the driver? Makes me wonder considering it was until (I think) 1994 - there was no official speed limit. "Drive according to conditions."?

 

For most of the western states, check the states DOT web site. In several states, the 511 system also has road info, including where chain/traction devices are required.

Some roads in Wyoming and Idaho are marked chains recommended when snow/ice present.

 

Your Mistress will tell you when it's time for chains........wait.......wrong thread, sorry.

 

511 is the fastest way.

Simply open your phone and dial.

I don't know about the east side but in the mountains. I think colorado wants you packing between September and May.

October thru April for sure. Although I've seen it snow in July in Montana. Wasn't much though.

 

If I need chains I don't need to be on the road.
No matter how safe you are that doesn't stop Swifty from sliding out of control right into you knocking you off the side of a mountain

 

There are signs but you’re counting on someone to go flip it over. Seems like MT doesn’t freak out like other states and if it’s cold they’re not as quick to require them, but if someone spins out and causes a problem they’ll flip the sign.

 

I found Oregon was the best state about chain notifications. But my phone is on the Verizon network so I had connection almost everywhere. MOST of the bargain phone networks have big dead spots.

You can read the roadside/overhead message boards along the Interstate highways in Oregon from their online map Tripcheck.com. Chains required notices are on the upper right side of TripCheck.com in the Alerts section. They need to put a symbol n the map or change the color for the road sections where chains are required. Oregon also has yellow road-sdie notice boards that show if chains are required.

Here is what they look like and the one sign updates to show what wording applies now.








Here is the link to Oregon chain requirements. ORDOT usually drops pamphlets at the truck stops with the key diagrams on them before winter.
Minimum Chain Requirements in Oregon | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information

 

A truck driver with no phone service is like a doctor with no stethoscope. Get service with the best coverage where you drive. My preference is pay an MVNO (mine is Xfinity Mobile, but Visible is another) that uses the Verizon network. You get Verizon coverage at about half of the Verizon price. Almost no additional fees and taxes, just the monthly fee for service.

 

If you need a sign telling you when to chain up get to the nearest truck stop and pull the pin. You should definitely not be going down that road.

 

whether or not you need chains is based on the road you're on and the time of year, "chains required" means you have to have chains on the truck inside those months on those roads in that state.

whether or not you actually chain up is up to you, there's a really big fine if it's "all CMVs must chain next X miles" and you f around and end up blocking the roadway, a lot smaller fine if you actually get stopped for choochooing through chain zone on rubber because u don't need chains (if your rolling thru obviously everything is fine?!), even smaller fine if you get popped before the weather is even bad yet for just being there chainless in the first place.