Every year, over 1,300 people die and more than 116,800 are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy roads according to the Federal Highway Administration. Snow tire chains can mean the difference between reaching your destination safely and becoming another statistic.

Snow chains are legal everywhere in the US, but the rules vary wildly depending on where you are. Western states make you use them on certain roads. Everywhere else, it's up to you - just don't tear up the road by using them on dry pavement.

Types of Chain Laws

States generally follow one of two  approaches:

Strict Requirements (Western States)

- Mandatory chain usage on specific routes during winter conditions
- Clear signage indicating when chains are required
- Enforcement through checkpoints and fines
- Real-time requirement updates based on weather conditions

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Permissive Laws (Most Other States)

- Driver discretion for chain usage based on conditions
- No specific route requirements or checkpoints
- Driver might be fined if using chains in inappropriate conditions, especially if they damage the road surface.

Strict Chain Requirements:

In these states you might be fined for not using or carrying chains on routes where the signs indicate the requirement.

If you are planning a drive and want to check what requirements exist on your route, you can use 511 websites or apps for each state, or download the Weather on the Way app, which shows active chain requirements and “carry chains” requirements for all strict states (except Utah). You can download the app here.

California

You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.

California enforces three levels of chain controls:

• R1 – Chain use required for all vehicles heavier than 6 000 pounds, lighter vehicles must use snow tires and carry chains. Towing vehicles and trailers must have chains.
• R2 – Chain use required for all vehicles except 4x4 vehicles with snow tires, but they still need to carry chains.
• R3 – All vehicles must use chains

Colorado

Colorado has strict chain and traction laws, especially for I-70 in mountainous areas. During inclement weather, strict requirements can be imposed requiring use of chains on specified routes, including all-wheel drive vehicles. All commercial motor vehicle drivers must carry chains from September 1 to May 31

Nevada

Nevada DOT can enforce chain requirements on mountain highways (especially near Lake Tahoe) during heavy snow. There are two levels of requirements, the first requiring use of chains or snow tires, and the second requiring chain use except for four-wheel drive vehicles with mud-snow tires.

Oregon

Oregon enforces chain requirements on certain roads and mountain passes (e.g., Siskiyou Pass, Mt. Hood areas) in winter. “Chain-up” signs dictate when chains or other approved traction devices are mandatory. Drivers who disobey the signs requiring chains or traction tires are subject to a presumptive fine of $165.

Utah

Utah mandates traction devices, including chains, on certain canyons and mountain roads during winter storms. Drivers must obey “chains required” signage or risk fines and potential road closures.

Wyoming

Wyoming posts chain laws on key routes, especially in mountainous areas (Tetons, Wind River Range). Commercial and passenger vehicles must follow chain requirements when conditions deteriorate.

Washington

Washington has chain requirements on major mountain passes (e.g., Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass). State troopers and DOT can mandate chains for all vehicles during harsh winter storms.

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Permissive states:

In these states, you are allowed to use chains as required by safety, but you will not be fined for not using them. However, you need to make sure that you do not cause any damage to the road surface by using them on a dry road.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

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