Snow Chains Questions

On I-80 and I-55 California there's a modified chain control and it only requires for singles or tandem axle drive trucks one on each side on outside Tire if you have a single axle you have to chain all 4 tires the maximum chain controls as for on a twin-screw tractor and two on a twin-screw tractor for the minimum chain control also you need to single chains on your trailer in California in Oregon they have I believe it's a a set of three rollers and a set of shingles on a twin-screw tractor and two singles on the trailer and you have to have an extra chain with just in case you break one

 

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SORRY, Auto maximum chain control single axle Drive tractors are not allowed over I-80 or I-5 a minimum is 3 railers on both sides of a single axle tractor and 4 singles on the outsides of each drive axle on a twin-screw tractor minimum chain on a twin-screw is single chain on one axle only on each side

 

Heres a couple links:

https://tripcheck.com/Pages/minimum-chain-requirements.asp#

http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=204-24-050
In Washington, if you have a 2-axle (one drive axle), 3 railers are required on the passes. If you have a 3 axle, you can have singles on all four outside tires.

 

Chains are good until maybe 30 at most. Whatever speed limit is imposed by the factory that made the chain is your limitation. It has nothing to do with secret non published higher no break speeds. There is none of that.

Liquid tankers will get onery if you let it. You have to be very smooth and then even more smooth in ice. Unfortunately chains will start up a harmonic which will cause your liquid to jiggle if you go too fast. Anyone can pull a hill. But it's the getting down that will kill you if you let it.

Chances are, if you are on chain, conditions are so bad you should park it. That is how I saw it.

 

There is an app created by OOIDA called "Winter Chain Laws". I believe they have it for Android and Apple. It has all the current regulations per state for the lower 48, and links to the actual state regulations. And if the states make any changes to their regs, it gets updated.

 

I guess if you got inspected, you could probably be in trouble. But generally, most trucks only carry 3 pairs of singles. If they're smart.

You'd be surprised how many have NONE on their truck.

Speed is whatever your feeling comfortable with. Most times conditions are right you'll be driving much faster then the 25 mph you posted. If it's that bad you can't do at least 25. Then the highway will probably be shut down anyways.

Easy does it on the downhill side but 1 pair on A trailer axle is usually good enough. And all that'll be required.

Most of the times you're only going to need just 1 set on the tractor and can probably get by with just one chain on the trailer. Unless your on snoqualmie where drivers seem to be the laziest. Or the 84 in oregon. They don't have chain controls so you'll encounter a lot of drivers make an attempt without chains. And will end up closing the freeway down. And if you get stopped on the uphill side. You're going to have a very tough time rolling again with just one set on the tractor.

Donners you can get away with just one set of singles. They have chain control and don't usually require max chains. Even though the websight will usually say max chains.

Last year, i chained up more then the previous 5 years combined. Got shut down in oregon 4 times because some semi jackknifed. If you don't have to. Stay out of oregon. they use pea gravel for traction instead of salt for snow melt. You'll be visiting the glass shop on a regular basis.

 

Tire Chain Law for States & Canadian Provinces that have a "require to carry" chain law.



BRITISHCOLUMBIA

800-550-4997

www.Drivebc.ca

Click on More Links on the left. Click on Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement, then Winter Tire & Chain-Up Info on the right.

British Columbia law requires commercial trucks, over 27,000 kg GVW, must carry chains from October 1stto March 31ston most major highways. However, carrying chains are highly recommended for all British Columbia roadways

Steel link chains are recommended.

Cable style chains are permitted if used in conjunction with steel link.

COLORADO

303-639-1111

www.CoTrip.org

Scroll down to the Truckers Column then click on Chain Laws

Colorado State Law requires all commercial vehicles, with four or more drive wheels, must chain at least four wheels, between September 1st and May 31st when traveling on I-70, in either direction, between MP 133 (Dotsero) and MP 259 (Morrison). Dual Tire Chains are acceptable.

Currently, the only textile device that has been approved for use is the AutoSock.

Chains are not required on trailers

OREGON

For Oregon Highway Weather Report Info:

503-588-2941

www.TripCheck.com

Click on Road & Weather then Winter Travel to Chain Law

Oregon State Law requires you to carry a minimum of 6 single tire-chains, or 3 sets of dual-wheel chains, when inclement weather persists (there are no set dates).

4 Chains for use on drive axle tires, 2 chains for use on the trailer.

"Chains" include link or cable,

WASHINGTON

For Washington State Highway Weather Mountain Pass Info:

800-695-7623

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/chain_req.htm

Washington State Law requires you to carry a minimum of 7 single tire-chains, or 3 sets of dual-wheel chains and 1 single, between November 1st and April 1stwhen traveling the following mountain pass routes: I-90, I-82, SR-2, SR-12, SR-97, SR-410, SR-20, SR-155, SR-542, SR-970, SR-14 .

4 Chains for use on drive tires, 1 chain for use on trailer, & 2 additional spare. AutoSock is approved for use. Plastic chains are not allowed

 

WHEN TIRE CHAIN SIGNS HAVE BEEN POSTED -Tire Chain Requirements

Alabama

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Alaska

Tire chains may be used. (t)

Arizona

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Arkansas

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle when required for safety.

California

Tire traction devices of reasonable size may be used to prevent skidding when on wet surfaces, snow, or ice.When a road is posted with a sign requiring chains, all heavy-duty vehicles (over 6,500 pounds gross weight) must be equipped with chains mounted on the tires in order to proceed. Vehicles without chains are not permitted to enter chain control areas and must return to a safe area.For more information: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/

Colorado

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used.Signs along the roadway indicate when the chain law is in effect and when vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles, must be chained. A commercial motor vehicle is defined as having a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit which has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds; or has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds; or is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.Commercial motor vehicles that have four or more drive wheels must chain four wheels. Dual tire chains are acceptable.From September 1 to May 31 commercial vehicles operating on I-70 between mileposts 133 and 259 must carry sufficient chains, tire cables, or alternate traction devices as identified in 2 CRR 601-14 at all times. Note: This requirement does not apply to mobile cranes.For more information: http://www.cotrip.org

Connecticut

Metal non-skid devices may be used from November 15 to April 30.

Delaware

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

District of Columbia

Between October 15 and April 15, whenever snow, sleet, or freezing rain is falling or whenever there is a covering or coating of snow, sleet, or ice on any street marked as a Snow Emergency Route, a vehicle may not become stalled on that street due to the fact that the driving wheels of the vehicle are not equipped with tire chains or effective snow tires.

Florida

No tire chain laws.

Georgia

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Hawaii

Ordinary detachable tire or skid chains are permitted.
Illinois

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Indiana

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Iowa

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Kansas

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Kentucky

When icy conditions exist, tire chains may be used.

Louisiana

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Maine

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Maryland

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Massachusetts

No tire chain law.

Michigan

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Minnesota

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Mississippi

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Missouri

No tire chain law.

Montana

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. Tire chains are required whenever the tire chain signs are posted. (t)

Nebraska

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

Nevada

Under certain ice or snow conditions, roads may be posted with signs stating tire chains are required. Vehicles or combinations over 10,000 pounds not equipped with chains on at least two driving wheels and at least two braking wheels on each trailer will not be allowed to proceed.For more information: www.nevadadot.com/winter

New Hampshire

No tire chain laws.

New Jersey

Motor vehicle tires may be fitted with tire chains of reasonable size when roads, streets, and highways are slippery due to rain, snow, ice, oil, manner of construction, or other reasons; provided that no tire chains are used at any time on an improved highway when the highway conditions do not make use necessary for the safety of life or property.

New Mexico

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

New York

Snow tires and/or tire chains required on a designated snow emergency route when a snow emergency has been declared by the state or municipality of jurisdiction.

North Carolina

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

North Dakota

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used.

Ohio

Tire chains may be used when there is snow or ice on the streets or highways.

Oklahoma

No tire chain laws for vehicles over two tons.

Oregon

Tire chains are required to be used when conditions demand because of snow, ice, or other inclement weather and signs are posted. When chains are required to be carried and the appropriate signs are posted, chains of sufficient size and number must be in or on the vehicle.For more information: http://www.tripcheck.com

Pennsylvania

Tire chains may be used on vehicles during periods of snow and ice emergencies.

Rhode Island

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle. (t)

South Carolina

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

South Dakota

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Tennessee

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Texas

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used. (t)

Utah

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Vermont

Tire chains or winter tires are required on specified portions of state highways for truck-tractor-semitrailer combinations, truck-tractor-trailer combinations, and motor coaches when signs are posted and (whenever possible) notice is given through public service announcements. In areas where tire chains or winter tires are required, there shall be adequate area for vehicles to pull off the traveled way to affix chains.

Virginia

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Washington

Tire chains of reasonable size are allowed.When traffic control signs marked "chains required" are posted by the Department of Transportation, a vehicle or combinations of vehicles may not enter the controlled area without having mounted on its tires the appropriate type and number of tire chains.A minimum of two extra tire chains must be carried on the vehicle in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains or the chains in use are broken or otherwise useless.On certain routes, from November 1 to April1, a sufficient number of tire chains must be carried on the vehicle at all times.For more information: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/chain_req.htm(t)

West Virginia

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Wisconsin

Tire chains of a reasonable size may be used on a vehicle. (t)

Wyoming
http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/travel/winter/chain_law.html

 

And if you really want to get on CDOT's good side, use studded chains, they love those

Drag chains (chaining a trailer tire) is not required on I-70 in Colorado, HOWEVER, it is recommended on US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US 550 Coal Bank, Molass and Red Mtn. Pass and US 50 Monarch Pass.

 

Studded chains?