Washington State trucks need to make sure that they are carrying their chains as of November 1st. That’s this coming Sunday. To make sure you are prepared, here’s the list of requirements for BC, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California:
British Columbia:
While the law in BC states that all commercial vehicles entering the province must carry tire chains from October 1 to March 31st, it applies to all drivers who are travelling outside the temperature climates of the Greater Vancouver and Greater Victoria areas. The government of British Columbia further advises that out of province drivers should carry chains or other traction devices and plan on needing to use them due to rapid changes in elevation and weather. This makes traveling on BC highways during the winter months unpredictable.
Washington:
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. Chains must have two sides attached with cross-sections. Cables can be permitted. Plastic chains are prohibited.
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.
Idaho:
Officials in ID can determine, at any time, that Lookout Pass on I-90, Fourth of July Pass on I-90 or Lolo Pass on Highway 12 are unsafe. When this occurs, signs will alert you to chain up.
California:
CA does not require trucks to carry chains during any specified time period. When the weather hits, it takes at least eight chains for a standard tractor-trailer configuration to comply with the regulations. Conventional tire chains and cable chains, as well as other less conventional devices such as “Spikes Spiders,” are permitted. Trucks with cable-type chains are legal, but may be restricted at times if severe conditions are occurring ; this happens frequently in the higher elevations such as Donner Pass. Automatic chaining systems are permitted in the state; however, you may still be required to add additional “traditional” chains to fully comply with the placement requirements.
Need a refresher on chaining up your vehicle? Check out our video on Chain Training, produced at TC Trans. The video covers: key tools to use while chaining up, how to chain up without having to move your truck, and how to make sure you are legal for the specifications of BC, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California for truck and trailer:
Be sure to check out our post: Chain Laws, State by State for a review of laws and placement requirements for other areas.
