tire chains

[flash3712]

can anyone tell if you are required to carry tire chains in Arkansas,Tennesee,or Kentucky.I have spent 10 years driving Western Canada and this is my first winter running south Texas-Louisville return,not even sure how much snow these areas receive,any info would be helpful

[DesertRat]

Nope, no chains required in those states

[yoopr]

You're good to go without them

[Sealord]

You're gonna have a bigger problem with ice and variations thereof than snow in the areas you're talking about. And I know it's better to have 'em and not need 'em than need 'em and not have 'em.
The only area I know of that requires chains is in the northwest. The company I work for has chain banks in that area. BOL

[BIG JEEP on 44's]

I would run with atleast 3 sets....as stated earlier better to have them and not need em than need em and not have them ...besides it only takes like 20 minutes to throw them on and strap a few bungees on to keep em tight....

[yoopr]

You're gonna have a bigger problem with ice and variations thereof than snow in the areas you're talking about. And I know it's better to have 'em and not need 'em than need 'em and not have 'em.
The only area I know of that requires chains is in the northwest. The company I work for has chain banks in that area. BOL

Some states don't Allow Chains so know in advance what the Laws are for a particular state so be careful before you start throwing Iron.

Arizona
Summary:

1. Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2. From October 1 to May 1 studded tires are authorized.
3. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.

Difficult passes in Arizona include 17 mile grade on I-17, Texas Canyon on I-10, Salt River Canyon on US 60/70, and US 60 near Superior.

California
Summary:

1. Automatic Traction Devices (ATDs) are authorized.
2. Snow/mud tread minimum depth is 6/32.
3. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on the drive tires.
4. Trailers with brakes must be chained on one axle.
5. Front wheel drive must have chains on the front axle.
6. On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required.
7. Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained.

Colorado
Summary:

1. Chains are required on every state, federal or interstate highway.
2. Metal chains must have at least nine (9) cross links.
3. Driver may be fined for not chaining when required.
4. Additional fines if unchained vehicle blocks roadway.
5. Two level chain restrictions:
1. Single axle tractor trailers must chain all four drive tires (cables are not authorized).
2. Chains required for all commercial motor vehicles.
6. ATDs are authorized.
7. 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.

Difficult passes in Colorado include Rabbit Ears Pass on US 40, Vail and Loveland on I-70, Raton on I-25, and Monarch on US 50.

Idaho
Summary:

1. Studded tires authorized between October 1 and April 30.
2. Do not use studded tires until conditions warrant.

For daily updated information on Idaho road reports, check the website: 164.165.237.41/RoadReport or call 888-IDA-Road (888-423-7623}. The ITD may be contacted at (208) 334-8000

Difficult passes in Idaho include LoLo on Hwy 12, July 4th and Lookout on I-90

Montana
Summary:

1. Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2. Studded tires authorized October 1 - May 31.
3. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
4. Chain law overrules studded tires.

Contact Curt Rissman, Section Chief, Motor Vehicle Section at (406) 444-6130 for further information about Montana road information or online at www.mdt.state.mt.us/travinfo or discoveringMontana.com for camera view conditions.

Difficult passes in Montana include Lookout and Pipestone on I-90, LoLo on US 93, and Monida on I-15

New Mexico
Summary:

1. Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
2. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
3. Studded tires are authorized.

More traveler information is available by calling (800) 432-4269 or online at www.nmshtd.state.nm.us/.

Difficult passes in New Mexico include Raton and Lalabahada Hill on I-25 and Tijeras Canyon on I-40

Nevada
Summary:

1. Studded tires authorized October 1 - April 30.
2. NRS 484.643 requires chains or snow tires when posted.
3. NRS 484.6432 require vehicles > 10,000 lbs. to chain when posted.
4. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. are permitted in chain control areas if equipped with Mechanical Traction Devices (MTD) on drive axles.
5. Trailers must be chained.
6. Minimum tread depth on Mud and Snow tires is 3/16".
7. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on the drive tires.
8. Trailers with brakes must be chained on one axle.
9. Front wheel drive must have chains on the front axle.
10. On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required.
11. Tags and converter dollies not required to be chained.

More traveler information is available by calling (877) 687-6237 or online at www.nevadadot.com/traveler/roads/.

Difficult passes in Nevada include Conway Summit on US 395 at the California border, and Immigrant Pass on I-80 near Battle Mountain.

Oregon
Summary:

1. Studded tires authorizes November 1 - April 1.
2. Chain law applies to all roadways.
3. Signage dictates requirements.
4. Drivers who disregard signage are subject to fines.

More traveler information may be found by calling (503) 588-2941. 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/.

Difficult passes in Oregon include Siskiyou on I-5, Cabbage on I-84, and Mt. Hood on US 26.

Utah
Summary:

1. Utah only requires tire chains where posted.
2. The chains should have minimum traction.
3. Studded tires are authorized October 15 - April 15.

More traveler information may be found by calling (866) 511-8824 or online at www.udot.utah.gov.

Difficult passes in Utah include Daniels on US 40, Soldiers Summit on Hwy 6, and Parlyes Canyon on I-80.

Washington
Summary:

1. All vehicles over 10,000 GVW shall carry two (2) extra chains.
2. Plastic cross links not allowed.
3. Must carry chains from November 1 to April 1.
4. Cable chains are allowed.
5. Studded tires are authorized November 1 - March 31.

Washington State Patrol has a tri-fold pamphlet called "Minimum Chain Requirements" giving details on chain positioning. More traveler information may be found by calling (800) 695 7623 or online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/.

Difficult passes in Washington include Blewett Pass on SR 97, Chinook Pass on SR 410, Cle Elum to Teanaway on SR 970, Gibbons Creek to Intersection of Cliffs Rd. on SR 14, Mt. Baker Highway on SR 542, Newhalem to Winthrop on SR 20, North Cascade Hwy on Hwy 20, Omak to Nespelem on SR 155, Satus Pass on SR 97, Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, Stevens Pass on SR 2, and White Pass on SR 12.

Wyoming
Summary:

1. Studded tires are legal all year.
2. Tire chains of reasonable proportions.
3. Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits.
4. Travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive or chain equipped vehicles/snow tires.
5. Minimum tread depth is 4/32 steer; 2/32 other position.
6. Persons selling tires must comply with minimum tread depth.
7. Applies to motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and mopeds.

More traveler information may be found by calling (307) 772-0824 or online at www.wyoroad.info/.

Difficult passes in Wyoming include Elk Mountain on I-80, between Rock Springs and Evanston on I-80, and South Pass near Jackson on US 191.

[Fourcats]

Thanx for the links The problem with Tenn and the area is the people don't know what to do when an icy storm arrives. I was shut down for two days on I40 {the hwy was closed, to many wrecks}.

Thanx for the links The problem with Tenn and the area is the people don't know what to do when an icy storm arrives. I was shut down for two days on I40 {the hwy was closed, to many wrecks}.

Were you stuck in your truck the whole time? Did someone come check on you. Good reason to stock up on Cheesy poofs and Pepsi.

[yoopr]

Citing and copy and pasteing "The Bible" is wonderful and all that but once you start driving you'll find that there are unseen issues that go beyond State Regs. and Chain Laws. They all have Variances.
For Example-In Colorado you can be given a $500 Fine if a DOT officer THINKS you should have your Chains on and you Don't. This is a Big Fund Raising event that occurs often on the Western Slope of 70 west of the Tunnel.
I was running with my Winter Snow Treads down by Idaho Springs and was pulled over for not having my Chains on. Fortunately it was a Cop who I knew that ran the Little Shack at the Bottom and he told me about this little "Variance"
Conveniently there are some mom and pop truck stops who just happen to have chains in a Bag for Sale.

California at Donner-Cajon-Grapevine all can change what is Required on Chains and what Needs to be changed to Proceed.

Careful in Montana as there are some "Citizen's" who will pull in front of you and slow down where you lose Traction and then "Offer" to help you "Chain up"

Normally if Elk Mountain in Wyoming is having a Blizzard or High Winds(Which is pretty much all the Time) they'll throw the Gates up and re-route you to run around Medicine Bow where it's usually slow running but a Decent Road.

Don't think of chaining or running Studded Tires in my State or you're gonna end up paying a Huge Fine.

Point being-For every Regulation there are Variances.

[syl77dar]

good luck