Members,
As we enter the winter months, Caltrans is reminding commercial drivers of the chain requirements and the resources available to monitor roadways.
Chain Requirements
Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
Requirement 2 (R-2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
Requirement 3 (R-3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.) R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.
- (CC)-CHAIN CONTROL
- (TC)-TRAFFIC COLLISION
- (MIN)-MINIMUM TRUCK CHAIN REQUIREMENTS
- (MAX)-MAXIMUM TRUCK CHAIN REQUIREMENTS
- (DSRA)-DONNER SUMMIT REST AREA
- (ETA)-ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL
- (ETO)-ESTIMATED TIME OF OPENING
- (PM)-POST MILE
- (10-22)-DISREGARD
- (OUT OF CONTROL)-CHAINS NO LONGER REQUIRED
Winter Driving Tips
- Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions.
- The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour.
- When you put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
- Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
- When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading "End of Chain Control" to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.
Resources & Helpful Links
