With winter rolling in, it’s time to start thinking about chain laws and how to use tire chains.
Just as each state has different laws regarding their use, each trucking company has its own policy on whether or not you’re required to use them as a truck driver when the roads get bad. Some companies require their drivers to use tire chains to deliver sensitive freight, while other companies don’t require drivers to use them and instead advise them to get off the roads. (Anderson Trucking Services (ATS) falls into the second camp.)
Whether or not you’re required to use them by your company, if you plan to drive through mountainous states in the winter, you might be mandated by the state to use them. Failing to use chains when you’re required to do so — or using them when you shouldn’t — can result in hefty fines.
I spent 19 years over the road (OTR). I had my fair share of time driving throughout mountainous areas and chaining up before joining the safety team at ATS. I’m thankful to have more than 2 million accident-free miles and to be able to share some of my experience with you.
I’ll help you understand what tire chains are, what types there are, how they’re used and which states allow their use. I’ll also explain the ATS policy on using tire chains. Learn how to navigate the winter roads safely and legally.
Tire chains — metal devices secured around the tires — are designed to provide traction when navigating snow-covered or icy roads. Tire chains are only designed to be used for short distances — ideally when you’re trying to drive to a safe location or get through a mountain pass. You shouldn’t drive more than 25 or 30 miles per hour (mph) with them on.
Driving with tire chains on is a rough ride. If they come loose, they can do a lot of damage to your truck and tires. You can pop tires, tear up your truck or lose mud flaps.
Because of the damage they can cause, best practice is not to use them. Not only that but even if there are designated areas to chain up, they’re usually just on the side of the road. It can be dangerous and scary to chain up on the side of an icy, snow-covered road with traffic sliding by.
There are a few types of chains and other similar tools you can utilize to gain additional traction while driving on treacherous roads. They include automatic tire chains, single chains, dual chains, cables, tire socks and studded tires.
While automatic tire chains can be mounted to the tires, these aren’t used by truck drivers. Instead, drivers most often use single and dual chains that must be manually applied — which can be both time-consuming and dangerous if you’re doing it on the side of the road. Single chains go over one individual tire while dual chains fit over two tires at once. They’re both heavier and take longer to put on.
Cables look similar to chains, but they’re lighter and cheaper. While they’re just as effective as chains, they’re very easy to bend and break and can usually only be used once.
Tire socks, or snow socks, are an alternative for tire chains — albeit a very expensive one. They’re normally made of woven fabric and some sort of rubbery material. The socks wrap around the tire to cover the tread and increase traction. Some states don’t recognize tire socks as a suitable replacement for chains.
Studded tires can also be used in place of chains. Studded tires have studs in them to grip icy, snow-covered roads. These are put on instead of all-weather or winter tires. Some states don’t allow their use, however.
Even if your company doesn’t require you to use chains, it’s still good practice to know how to use them. If you encounter an emergency or end up in an area that requires them, you’ll know how to use them.
Putting on tire chains is time-consuming, especially if you’ve never done it. If you’ve chained before, it might take you 30 minutes to chain four tires. If you’ve never done it before, it could take 90 minutes.
Get to the safest place you can park to chain up. Then grab your chains. How many chains you put on will depend upon state regulations, but they don’t need to go on every tire.
Untangle the chains and ensure they’re clean of snow. Then you can begin to drape the chains over the select tires with the hooks facing out. Connect the chains. Then, you’ll need to drive forward and/or backward to get the chain on the rest of the tire.
Some tricks make chaining go quicker. For instance, I used to stack two short pieces of wood underneath the drive tire, drive up and then raise the axle off the ground. That allowed me to put the whole chain on in one go.
Tire chain laws are mandated on the state level. Tire chain laws dictate when you should, shouldn’t and must use tire chains. Many states allow chains when needed at the driver’s discretion, but some states restrict them depending on the time of year and type of chain.
Using the incorrect type of chain or using chains that aren’t in accordance with these laws can subject you to fines. Chains can not only damage your truck and trailer; they can also damage the roads. This is why states have laws regarding their usage.
Use the chart below for state-by-state guidance on when you’re required to carry chains in your truck, when you need to use them and when you shouldn’t use them. Failing to follow these laws can result in fines.
For more updated information, refer to each state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) website.
|
State |
Chain Law Summary |
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Tire chain laws vary by location and time of year, check local laws. Special permits may be obtained to use chains in prohibited zones. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed during certain times of year when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Tire chain controls may be established in mountain areas. Follow posted signs along the highway. At least eight chains are needed to comply with regulations. |
|
|
Drivers must carry tire chains in certain areas September 1 to May 31. To avoid fines, check local laws and use chains when required. |
|
|
Chains and studded tires may be used November 15 to April 30. |
|
|
Chains are allowed when needed from October 15 to April 15. |
|
|
No tire chain laws. |
|
|
Tire chains required when posted on signage. |
|
|
No tire chain laws. |
|
|
Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 30. Chains are allowed as needed and required on some mountain passes. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
May not be used unless the road is ice-covered or the vehicle has an ice shoe at least 6 inches wide. Limit on diameter and spacing. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required during certain times of year due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Studs, wires and spikes are prohibited otherwise from May 1 to October 1. |
|
|
Required when a snow emergency has been declared, but not allowed on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs. |
|
|
Permitted when necessary from November 1 to May 1. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Not permitted April 1 to November 1. |
|
|
Chains may be required when a chain-up sign is posted. Vehicles are required to carry tire chains October 1 to April 1 when indicated. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Required on all vehicles over 10,000 pounds when posted. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required October 16 to April 30. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Studded tires allowed between October 15 and April 15. Otherwise, tire chains are allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Studded tires allowed between November 1 and April 15. Tire chains are not allowed. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Follow posted signs for usage requirements. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Allowed during October 1 and April 30, when posted or when road conditions warrant it. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Required in certain areas when posted. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. |
|
|
Required on certain routes from November 1 to April 1. Check local laws and use chains when required. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains mustn’t come in direct contact with the road surface. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains mustn’t come in direct contact with the road surface. |
|
|
Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains may be required in extreme weather conditions. |
Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview of tire chain laws in the U.S. Always consult official state transportation department websites for the most up-to-date and specific information.
At ATS, we don’t require drivers to use chains. If the roads are bad enough, we want our drivers to get off the roads and get to safety. If our drivers ever feel unsafe driving in the road conditions, they’re encouraged to report it to their driver managers and park until the road conditions improve.
It’s simply not worth it to put our employees at risk; loads can always be delivered another day. We don’t want you to get hurt.
Not only that, but chains can damage your truck, your trailer and the road. You can only go between 25 and 30 mph with them on, so you won’t make it far with them on.
As winter approaches, you need to be well-informed about tire chain laws and their use. These laws vary from state to state, and trucking companies may also have their own policies on the use of tire chains.
Whether mandated by your company or state regulations, understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial, as failure to do so can lead to significant fines.
Various types of chains and traction devices are available, including single and dual chains, cables, tire socks and studded tires. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and their suitability may depend on state regulations.
Knowing how to put on tire chains is a valuable skill for any driver, even if your company doesn't require them. Learning the proper techniques can save you time and ensure your safety in emergency situations.
To stay informed, be prepared and prioritize safety on the wintry roads, check out these winter driving tips.