With cooler temperatures taking over most of the Northern U.S. and the smell of football in the air, it is once again to start thinking about breaking out the cold weather equipment once again! Running around in Southern California does not usually require me to prepare for snow, but that sure does not mean I haven't had my own fair share of operating in it! I too have been through scenarios of having to chain up in the notorious Donner Pass and know how important it is to have the proper required equipment for where I am running. I have researched and compiled here the best list of chain laws for all 50 states that I could find, even including some warmer weather states not usually thought of for chaining up, but that have chain laws nonetheless! For instance, who would have thought that Hawaii has chain regulations? Included with each regulatory code is a direct link to click on for clarification pertaining to that state's specific chain law, where I found the information. Bookmark this blog, mark it for reading, or add it to your library for quick reference in the future. If you have a chance, share your best "chaining up" story in the comments section at the bottom as well!
Alabama – ALA CODE § 32-5-210
(b) No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat or spike or any other protuberances of any material other than rubber which project beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway and, except also, that it shall be permissible to use tire chains or metal studded or safety spike tires of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, rain or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.
Alaska – AS 28.35.155
(a) It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved highway or road from May 1 through September 15, inclusive, north of 60 North Latitude and from April 15 through September 30, inclusive, south of 60 North Latitude, except that at any latitude on a paved portion of the Sterling Highway a person may not operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached from May 1 through September 15, inclusive. The commissioner of public safety shall by emergency order provide for additional lawful operating periods based on unusual seasonal or weather conditions. An emergency order adopted under this section is not subject to AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act). Upon application, a special individual traction permit may be issued by the Department of Administration allowing the operation of a motor vehicle with studded tires or chains at any time at the discretion of the vehicle owner. The fee for the special individual permit is one-third of the biennial registration fee applicable to that class of vehicle under AS 28.10.421. The department may provide an appropriate sticker or other device identifying the vehicle to which the permit applies.
(b) In this section, "studded tire" means a tire with metal studs or spikes imbedded in the periphery of the tire surface, and protruding not more than one-fourth inch from the tire surface.
Arizona – 28-958
A. A solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery.
B. A tire on a vehicle that is moved on a highway shall not have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, spike or other protuberance that is made of any material other than rubber and that projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it is permissible to use:
1. Farm machinery with tires having protuberances that will not injure the highway.
2. Tire chains of reasonable proportions on a vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
3. From October 1 to May 1 pneumatic tires containing metal type studs of tungsten carbide or other suitable material that are inserted or constructed in a manner so that the number of studs or the percentage of metal in contact with the roadway does not exceed three per cent of the total tire area in contact with the roadway under any conditions.
C. The director and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may issue special permits authorizing the operation on a highway of traction engines or tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations on the periphery of the movable tracks or farm tractors or other farm machinery, the operation of which on a highway would otherwise be prohibited under this chapter.
Arkansas – 27-37-401
(c) No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, spike, or any other protuberances of any material except rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, with the following exceptions:
(1) It shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway;
(2) It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety; and
(3) It shall be permissible to use metal studded tires as prescribed in 27-37-402.
California – CVC 605
California does not require trucks to carry chains during any specified time period. When the weather hits, though, 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 because of severe conditions – which can happen commonly in the higher elevations.
On the tractor, four chains must be on all four tires of the main drive axle. Two more chains are required on the outside tires of the second drive axle. You have options on the placement of the two more required chains on the trailer axles. Chains can be placed on the outside of either axle or staggered with one chain on the outside of each axle.
Remember, while inside tires of duals are not usually required to be chained, CalTrans can require chains on the inside duals if conditions are bad enough.
Chains are most often required in the higher mountain passes of northern California, such as:
- Interstate 5 north of Redding;
- Interstate 80 over Donner Pass between Sacramento and Reno, NV; and
- U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento.
- Chains are also sometimes required on:
- State Route 58 near Tehachapi between Bakersfield and Mojave;
- Interstate 15 over Cajon Pass between Victorville and San Bernardino
- Interstate 5 over Tejon Pass between Los Angeles and Bakersfield
However, snow can fall unseasonably at higher elevations at many locations within California. Chains may be required at any time at these higher elevations when conditions warrant.
Colorado
Starting September 1st, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between milepost 133 (Dotsero exit) and milepost 259 (Morrison exit) must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the Colorado chain law. The law requires commercial vehicles to carry chains on this segment of I-70 from September 1st to May 31st.
“Colorado’s first snow fall can hit at any moment in the higher elevations and we don’t want commercial vehicle drivers to be caught off guard,” said CDOT Region Transportation Director Tony DeVito. “To help drivers comply with the chain law, we have 21 chain stations along the I-70 corridor as well as numerous programs that aid drivers with their winter travels.”
Colorado’s chain law applies to all state, federal and Interstate highways and was initially enacted in 1996. It includes two levels for commercial vehicles.
Chain Law Level 1 requires all single drive axle combinations commercial vehicles* to chain up. All four drive wheels must be chained; cables are not permitted as an alternate traction device. All other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains. Level 1 may be implemented any time there is snow covering any part of the traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade.
Chain Law Level 2 requires all commercial vehicles to chain up. Auto transports must comply to the extent possible without causing damage to hydraulic lines. Buses must chain two drive wheels to comply. Level 2 may be implemented any time there is snow covering the entire traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade or when driving conditions dictate this level is necessary to protect safety and minimize closures.
The alternate traction control device known as the AutoSock™ remains an approved device in Colorado. Commercial vehicles (both single and double axle) exceeding 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight or vehicles carrying 16 passengers or more will have the option of using AutoSock™ rather than chains. This traction control device is a fabric that slips over a vehicle’s outer driving wheels, providing extra traction on snowy and icy roads. It also can be installed over the tire in less time than traditional chains.
Connecticut
Tire chains are permitted for hazardous weather or other related incidents only, but may not damage the highway surface. Tire chains are only permitted between November 15 and April 30.
Delaware
On packed snow you should cut your speed in half. Use snow tires or chains when the road has snow on it. On ice, you must slow to a crawl. It is very dangerous to drive on ice.
Studded Tires - Are legal from October 15 to April 15 inclusive; illegal from April 16 to October 14 inclusive. Other states have different time periods when studded tires are permitted; a few states do not allow their use at any time. You must abide by their laws when passing through those states.
Florida – None Listed
Georgia - Code Section 32-6-5 and Title 40
Georgia DOT may close or limit access to portions of a state highway due to inclement weather. In the event this occurs, posted signage will be used to communicate to drivers that tire chains are required to proceed.
For commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels, tire chains must be installed on each of the outermost drive wheel tires.
“Tire chains” is defined as “metal chains which consist of two circular metal loops, positioned on each side of a tire, connected by not less than nine evenly spaced chains across the tire tread or any other traction devices as provided for by rules and regulations of the commissioner of public safety.”
Furthermore, any driver who causes an accident or blocks the flow of traffic when not complying with the above laws on a limited-access highway will be fined up to $1,000.
Hawaii – County of Maui Ordinance No. 33
To prevent skidding or slipping, chains or other devices designed for such purposes may be used when necessary to do so.
Spikes or studs not permitted.
Fine not to exceed $500 for violation.
Idaho – 49-948
(5) If the Idaho transportation department determines, at any time, that Lookout Pass or Fourth of July Pass on interstate 90 or Lolo Pass on state highway 12 is of an unsafe condition so as to require chains, as defined in section 49-104, Idaho Code, in addition to pneumatic tires, the Idaho transportation department may establish requirements for the use of chains on all commercial vehicles as defined in section 49-123(2)(d)(i) and (ii), Idaho Code, traveling on interstate 90 or state highway 12. If the Idaho transportation department establishes that chains are so required, the Idaho transportation department shall:
(a) Provide multiple advance notices of the chain requirement;
(b) Provide adequate opportunities for pull out;
(c) Provide notification at a point at which the commercial vehicle can safely pull out of the normal flow of traffic, prior to the point at which chains are required; and
(d) In no case post requirements for chains on bare pavement.
(6) Provided that the conditions in subsection (5) of this section are met, the chain requirement shall be met by chaining a minimum of one (1) tire on each side of:
(a) One (1) drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles; and
(b) One (1) axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle. Such axle shall not include a variable load suspension axle or an axle of a converter dolly.
(7) Chains as required in subsection (6)(a) and (b) of this section mean "chains" as defined in section 49-104, Idaho Code. Any other traction device differing from chains in construction, material or design but capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of chains under similar conditions may be used.
Illinois – 625 ILCS 5/12-401
Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to prohibit the use of tire chains of reasonable proportion upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
Indiana – IC 9-19-18-3
(c) Tire chains of reasonable proportions may be used upon a vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
(d) From October 1 to the following May 1, a vehicle may use tires in which have been inserted ice grips or tire studs, including retractable tire studs, that:
(1) are of wear-resisting material;
(2) are installed in a manner that provides resiliency upon contact with the road;
(3) have projections that do not exceed three thirty-seconds (3/32) of an inch beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire; and
(4) are constructed to prevent any appreciable damage to the road surface.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), a vehicle may be equipped year-round with tires that have retractable tire studs if the tire studs remain retracted from May 2 to September 30 of each year.
Iowa – 321-442
No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberances of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire except that it shall be permissible to use:
1. Farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway
2. Tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid
3. Pneumatic tires with inserted ice grips or tire studs projecting not more than one-sixteenth inch beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire upon any vehicle from November 1 of each year to April 1 of the following year, except that a school bus and fire department emergency apparatus may use such tires at any time.
Kansas – Article 14, 8-1742
(2) tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid;
(3) studded traction equipment upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid; or
(4) pneumatic tires having metallic or nonmetallic studs designed to improve traction without materially injuring the surface of the highway. To qualify under paragraph (3) or (4), such tires or studded traction equipment shall be approved by the secretary of transportation by adoption of rules and regulations, and their use may be limited to certain months or types of vehicles by such rules and regulations.
Kentucky – 189-190
(1) No person shall use on a highway not covered with ice, a vehicle with a chained wheel, unless the wheel rests upon an ice shoe at least six (6) inches wide.
(2) Where chains are used on rubber-tired vehicles, the cross chains shall be not more than three-fourths (3/4) of an inch in thickness or diameter, and shall be spaced not more than ten (10) inches apart, around the circumference of the tires.
Louisiana – RS 32-362
(2) Use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle, when required for safety because of conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.
Maine – None Listed
Maryland – 21-1119
In case of a declared snow emergency, chains will be required on certain designated highways. Studded snow tires are not allowed on vehicles having a registered gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
Massachusetts – I-XIV-90-16
No person, except a duly authorized person driving an emergency fire vehicle, shall operate a motor vehicle equipped with metal studded tires upon a public way between May the first and November the first; provided, however, the registrar may authorize the use of such tires before November the first, if weather conditions require the use thereof. Whoever violates the provisions of this paragraph shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars.
Trucks can be ordered off emergency routes during a snow emergency.
Michigan – MCL 257.710
A person may "use a tire chain of reasonable proportion upon a vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other condition tending to cause a vehicle to skid." If used, the chain must not come in contact with the surface of the roadway.
Montana – 61-9-406
(6) If the department of transportation determines at any time that dangerous or unsafe conditions on a highway require particular tires, tire chains, or traction equipment for vehicles in addition to or beyond the ordinary pneumatic rubber tires, the department may establish the following recommendations or requirements with respect to the use of the equipment for all vehicles using the highway:
(a) chains or other approved traction devices recommended for driver wheels;
(b) chains or other approved traction devices required for driver wheels; or
(c) chains required for driver wheels.
Nebraska – 60-6, 250
(c) It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other condition tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.
Nevada – NRS 484D.515-530
NRS 484D.515 Traction devices, tire chains or snow tires: Use required where highway marked or posted.
1. It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle, whether it is an emergency vehicle or otherwise, without traction devices, tire chains or snow tires upon any street or highway, under icy or snowy conditions, when the highway is marked or posted with signs for the requirement of traction devices, chains or snow tires.
2. The Director shall adopt regulations defining “traction device,” “tire chain” and “snow tire.” The Director shall consider regulations of the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and publications of the Rubber Manufacturers Association. The regulations must specify minimum standards for patterns of tread on snow tires which will provide adequate traction in mud and snow.
NRS 484D.520 Traction devices, tire chains or snow tires: Requirements under certain circumstances.
1. If a highway in this State is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of traction devices, tire chains or snow tires, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles must be equipped with:
(a) Traction devices, tire chains or snow tires if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(b) Tire chains if it has a gross weight or combined gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
2. If a highway in this State is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of traction devices or tire chains on all motor vehicles except vehicles with 4-wheel drive and snow tires on all wheels, all such motor vehicles must be equipped with traction devices or tire chains.
NRS 484D.525 Installation and mounting of traction devices, tire chains or snow tires. If a motor vehicle is required to be equipped with traction devices, tire chains or snow tires, the devices or chains must be installed or the tires must be mounted on at least two:
1. Driving wheels of the motor vehicle; and
2. Braking wheels of any trailing vehicle in a combination of vehicles if that trailing vehicle is equipped or required to be equipped with brakes.
NRS 484D.530 Mechanical device to provide traction. If mechanical devices are mounted on both sides of a motor vehicle which, when activated by the driver, provide traction by deploying a chain of metal cross members under a tire while the vehicle is in motion, the:
1. Cross members must extend across at least 85 percent of the width of the tire; and
2. Devices may be used only upon the drive axles of the vehicle.
New Hampshire – None Listed
New Jersey – 39:3-73
Motor vehicle tires may be fitted with tire-chains of reasonable proportions when roads, streets and highways are slippery, because of rain, snow, ice, oil, manner of construction or other reason; provided, however, that no tire-chains shall be used at any time on improved highways when highway conditions do not make such use necessary for the safety of life or property. No person shall use any tire-chains so constructed or installed as to be likely to be thrown so as to endanger any person or property.
New Mexico -66-3-847
B. A person shall not operate or move on a highway a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer having any tire surface in contact with the roadway that is wholly or partly of metal or other hard nonresilient material, except a snow tire with metal studs designed to increase traction on ice or snow.
New York – 145-c
A street or highway designated as a snow emergency route by the state or municipality having jurisdiction over such street or highway upon which no vehicle shall operate without snow tires and/or tire chains when a snow emergency has been declared by the state or municipality having jurisdiction thereof.
North Carolina – 20-122
(b) No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat or spike or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway and except, also, that it shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid. It shall be permissible to use upon any vehicle for increased safety, regular and snow tires with studs which project beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire not more than one sixteenth of an inch when compressed.
North Dakota – 39-21-40
3. No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway may have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it is permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway, and except also that it is permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions. It is also permissible to use, from October fifteenth to April fifteenth, pneumatic tires which have metal studs which do not project more than one-sixteenth of an inch [1.59 millimeters] beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it is permissible to use such tires on schoolbuses at any time during the year.
Ohio – 5589.081
(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) of this section, no person shall operate any motor vehicle, other than a public safety vehicle or school bus, that is equipped with studded tires on any street or highway in this state, except during the period extending from the first day of November of each year through the fifteenth day of April of the succeeding year.
(2) A person may operate a motor vehicle that is equipped with retractable studded tires with the studs retracted at any time of the year, but shall operate the motor vehicle with the studs extended only as provided in division (B)(1) of this section.
(C) This section does not apply to the use of tire chains when there is snow or ice on the streets or highways where such chains are being used, or the immediate vicinity thereof.
Oklahoma – 47-12-405
b. to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid
Oregon – 734-017-0010
(4) Solo commercial vehicles -- vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more that are not towing:
(a) A single-drive axle solo commercial vehicle shall have chains on one tire on each side of the drive axle; and
(b) A tandem-drive axle solo commercial vehicle shall have chains on:
(A) Two tires on each side of the primary drive axle; or
(B) If both axles are powered by the drive line, on one tire on each side of each drive axle.
(5) Commercial vehicles with trailers -- vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more that are towing one or more trailers:
(a) A single-drive axle commercial vehicle towing a trailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the drive axle and one tire on the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer;
(b) A single-drive axle commercial vehicle towing a semitrailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the drive axle and two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer;
(c) A single-drive axle commercial vehicle towing both a semitrailer and a trailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the drive axle, two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer, and one tire on the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer;
(d) A tandem-drive axle commercial vehicle towing a trailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle. Chains shall also be placed on one tire of the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer;
(e) A tandem-drive axle commercial vehicle towing a semitrailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle; or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle. Chains shall also be placed on two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer;
(f) A tandem-drive axle commercial vehicle towing both a semitrailer and a trailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle. Chains shall also be placed on two tires, one on each side of any axle on the semitrailer and one tire on the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer; and
(g) A tandem-drive axle commercial vehicle towing a semitrailer and a semitrailer that are connected by kingpin-to-fifth wheel assemblies, commonly referred to as a "B-Train," or connected by kingpin-to-fifth wheel "C-dolly" assemblies, commonly referred to as a "C-Train", shall have chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle; or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle. Chains shall also be placed on two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer at the B-train or C-train connection, and on two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the rear semitrailer.
Pennsylvania – 213.3
No motor vehicle shall be driven upon a snow emergency route when the roadway is covered with ice or snow unless the motor vehicle is equipped with at least two mud and snow tires on a driven axle or tire chains on two tires on a driven axle.
Rhode Island – 31-23-20
(3) It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
South Carolina – 56-5-5040
No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat or spike or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber (or other resilient material) which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire, except that it shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway and except also that it shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety, because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
South Dakota – 32-19-2 / 32-19-3.1
No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway may have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike, or any other protuberances of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire except that it shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway and except also that it shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid.
Notwithstanding § 32-19-2, the secretary of transportation may restrict public travel upon the state trunk highway system to four-wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains, studded snow tires, or snow tires having a tread of sufficient abrasive or skid-resistant design or composition and depth to provide adequate traction on icy or snow-packed roads. Notice of travel restriction under this section shall be given by placing at the beginning and end and major points of intersection, signs of substantial construction which conspicuously indicate motor vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires when traveling over this highway.
Tennessee – 55-9-102
(B) One (1) set of tire chains, for all vehicles likely to encounter conditions requiring them.
Texas – 547.612
(c) A tire used on a moving vehicle may not have on its periphery a block, stud, flange, cleat, or spike or other protuberance of a material other than rubber that projects beyond the tread of the traction surface, unless the protuberance:
(1) does not injure the highway; or
(2) is a tire chain of reasonable proportion that is used as required for safety because of a condition that might cause the vehicle to skid.
Utah – R920-6-3
(3) When any designated highway is so restricted no vehicle shall be allowed or permitted the use of the highway, during the period between October 1 and April 30, or when conditions warrant due to adverse, or hazardous weather or roadway conditions, as determined by the Utah Department of Transportation, unless:
(a) said vehicle is equipped with either:
(i) steel link chains or have chains in possession;
(ii) mounted snow tires; (tires with an M/S designation with or without studs);
(iii) elastomeric tire chains, designed for use with radial tires; or
(iv) four-wheel drive vehicles with a minimum of two mounted snow tires.
(4) Radial tires without snow tread do not meet the requirements.
(5) An operator of a commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels, other than a bus, shall affix tire chains to at least four of the drive wheel tires.
Vermont – 23-013-001-1006c
(a) The Traffic Committee may require the use of tire chains or winter tires on specified portions of State highways during periods of winter weather for motor coaches, truck-tractor-semitrailer combinations, and truck-tractor-trailer combinations.
(b) When tire chains or winter tires are required, advance notice shall be given to the traveling public through signage and, whenever possible, through public service announcements. In areas where tire chains or winter tires are required, there shall be an adequate area for vehicles to pull off the traveled way to affix any chains that might be required.
(c) Under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25, the Traffic Committee may adopt such rules as are necessary to administer this section and may delegate this authority to the Secretary.
Virginia – 46.2-1044
No tire on a vehicle moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, spike, or any other protuberance of any material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire. It shall be permissible, however, to use on the highways farm machinery having protuberances which will not injure the highway and to use tire chains of reasonable proportions when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid. It shall also be permissible to use on any vehicle whose gross weight does not exceed 10,000 pounds tires with studs which project no more than one-sixteenth of an inch beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire when compressed if the studs cover no more than three percent of the traction surface of the tire.
The use of studded tires shall be permissible only from October 15 to April 15.
Washington – WAC 204-24-050
(1) Vehicles under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
When traffic control signs are posted by the department of transportation it will be unlawful for any vehicle to enter the controlled area without having mounted on its drive tires the traction device specified by the sign, which must also meet the requirements of WAC 204-24-040.
(a) Exception for all wheel drive vehicles. When "chains required" signs are posted, all-wheel drive vehicles will be exempt from the chain requirement when all wheels are in gear and are equipped with approved traction devices as specified in WAC 204-24-040 provided that tire chains for at least one set of drive tires are carried in the vehicle.
(b) Alternative traction devices listed on the patrol's web site as being approved for passenger vehicles as outlined in this chapter will be considered approved for use when "chains required" signs are posted.
(2) Vehicles or combinations of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
When traffic control signs marked "chains required" are posted by the department of transportation it will be unlawful for any vehicle or combination of vehicles to enter the controlled area without having mounted on its tires, tire chains as follows: Provided, That highway maintenance vehicles operated by the department of transportation for the purpose of snow removal and its ancillary functions are exempt from the following requirements if such vehicle has sanding capability in front of the drive tires.
(a) Vehicles or vehicle combinations with two to four axles including but not limited to trucks, truck-tractors, buses and school buses: For vehicles with a single drive axle, one tire on each side of the drive axle must be chained. For vehicles with dual drive axles, one tire on each side of one of the drive axles must be chained. For vehicle combinations including trailers or semi-trailers; one tire on the last axle of the last trailer or semi-trailer, must be chained. If the trailer or semi-trailer has tandem rear axles, the chained tire may be on either of the last two axles.
(b) Automobile transporters are any vehicle combination designed and used specifically for the transport of assembled (capable of being driven) highway vehicles. For vehicles with single drive axles, one tire on each side of the drive axle must be chained. For vehicles with dual drive axles, one tire on each side of each of the drive axles must be chained. For vehicle combinations including trailers or semi-trailers, one tire on the last axle of the last trailer or semi-trailer must be chained. If the trailer or semi-trailer has tandem rear axles, the chained tire may be on either of the last two axles.
(c) Vehicle combinations with five axles consisting of a truck tractor with dual drive axles and a tandem axled semi-trailer; all tires on one drive axle may be chained or one tire on each side of each of the drive axles may be chained. Chains must be applied to a minimum of four tires on the drive axles. On the tandem axle semi-trailer, the chained tire may be on either of the last two axles.
(d) Vehicle combinations with five axles, consisting of a truck and trailer, or truck tractor and semi-trailer with a single drive axle, or truck tractor, semi-trailer and full trailer: For vehicles with a single drive axle, all tires on the drive axle must be chained. For vehicles with dual drive axles, all tires on one of the drive axles must be chained. For vehicle combinations including trailers or semi-trailers, one tire on the last axle of the last trailer or semi-trailer must be chained. If the trailer or semi-trailer has tandem rear axles, the chained tire may be on either of the last two axles.
(e) Vehicle combinations with six or more axles, including but not limited to truck and trailer or truck tractor and semi-trailer or truck tractor semi-trailer and full trailer: For vehicles with a single drive axle, all tires on the drive axle must be chained. For vehicles with dual drive axles where traffic control signs marked "approved traction tires required" are posted, all tires on one of the drive axles must be chained. For vehicles with dual drive axles where traffic control signs marked "chains required" are posted, all tires on one of the drive axles must be chained. In addition, one tire on each side of the additional drive axle must be chained. For vehicle combinations including trailers or semi-trailers, one tire on the last axle must be chained. For vehicles with tandem axle trailers or semi-trailers, the chained tire may be on either of the last two axles.
(f) All vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must carry a minimum of two extra chains for use in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains or in the event that chains in use are broken or otherwise made useless.
(g) Approved chains for vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must have at least two side chains to which are attached sufficient cross chains of hardened metal so that at least one cross chain is in contact with the road surface at all times. Plastic chains will not be allowed.
(h) If automatic tire chains are used, the vehicle must carry regular tire chains for use on the outside tires of the drive axle of all axles equipped with the automatic tire chain.
(i) On the following routes all vehicles and combinations of vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) pounds must carry sufficient tire chains to meet the requirements of this chapter from November 1 to April 1 of each year or at other times when chains are required for such vehicles:
(i) I-90 - Between North Bend (MP 32) and Ellensburg (MP 101).
(ii) SR-97 - Between (MP 145) and Junction SR-2.
(iii) SR-2 - Between Dryden (MP 108) and Index (MP 36).
(iv) SR-12 - Between Packwood (MP 135) and Naches (MP 187).
(v) SR-97 - Between the Columbia River (MP 0.00) and Toppenish (MP 59.00).
(vi) SR-410 - From Enumclaw to Naches.
(vii) SR-20 - Between Tonasket (MP 262) and Kettle Falls (MP 342); and SR-20 between Newhalem (MP 120) and Winthrop (MP 192).
(viii) SR-155 - Between Omak (MP 79) and Nespelem (MP 45).
(ix) SR-970 - Between (MP 0) and (MP 10).
(x) SR-14 - Between Gibbons Creek (MP 18.00) and (MP 108.40) intersection of Cliffs Road.
(xi) SR-542 - Mt. Baker highway between (MP 22.91) and (MP 57.26).
(xii) I-82 - Between Ellensburg Exit 3 (MP 3.00) and Selah Exit 26 (MP 26.00).
Vehicles making local deliveries as indicated on bills of lading and not crossing the mountain pass are exempt from this requirement if operating outside of a chain required area.
(3) For the purpose of this section, chained will mean that the tire has either a tire chain approved for use under chapter 204-24 WAC or an alternative traction tire device listed on the patrol's web site as approved for the type of vehicle combination listed in this section.
(4) The Washington state department of transportation or Washington state patrol may prohibit any vehicle from entering a chain/approved traction device control area when it is determined that the vehicle will experience difficulty in safely traveling the area.
West Virginia – 17C-15-37
(2) it shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
Wisconsin – 347.45
(b) Tire chains of reasonable proportions may be used on any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
Wyoming – 31-5-956 (e)(j)(k)
When the chain law is in effect due to snow, ice or other conditions, travel on a highway may be restricted to use only by motor vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires or tire chains, motor vehicles that are all-wheel drive or necessary emergency vehicles, including snow plows. In extremely hazardous conditions, travel may be restricted to use only by necessary emergency vehicles, including snow plows, and those vehicles utilizing tire chains or to all-wheel drive vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires with a mud and snow or all-weather rating from the manufacturer having a tread of sufficient abrasive or skid-resistant design or composition and depth to provide adequate traction under existing driving conditions. The prohibition or restriction of use shall be effective when signs, including temporary or electronic signs, giving notice thereof are erected upon that portion of the highway, and it shall be unlawful to proceed in violation of the notice.
The operator of a commercial vehicle shall affix tire chains to at least two (2) of the drive wheels of the vehicle at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to utilize tire chains under this subsection......
Any person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of these restrictions under subsection (e) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $250.00. Any person who operates a motor vehicle, where the results of the violation is an incident that causes the closure of all lanes in one (1) or both directions of travel of that highway, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $750.00.
As used in this section, "tire chains" means metal chains which consist of two (2) circular metal loops, one (1) on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine (9) evenly spaced chains across the tire tread and any other traction devices differing from metal chains in construction, material or design but capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of metal chains under similar conditions.