Pack up those snow chains! Winter is here.

Oregon has just announced that they are raising the fine for failing to put on snow chains when required to $880. This increase went into effect September 25, 2021.

When do commercial trucks need to put chains on?

Commercial trucks are required to put on snow chains whenever road conditions warrant it, or if it posted. So don’t be caught unprepared. We are officially in fall, so snow can start to fly any day now. Throw a set of chains in your truck, and you’ll be ready no matter what!

When you are driving be prepared to pull over and put on your chains. You may come across a variety of signs.

Here’s a break down of what you can see in Oregon:

Snow Zone: Carry Chains or Traction tires- must have chains or traction tires in your vehicle

Snow Zone: Chains required on vehicles towing or sing drive axle over 10,000 GVW- Must use chains if your vehicle is rated at 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight (GVW) or less and is towing. If you are a single drive axle vehicle and over 10,000 lbs, you must use the chains regardless if you are towing or not. Word to wise: If you are towing, you must attach chains to the unit being towed as well.

Snow Zone: Chains required on vehicles towing or over 10,000lbs GVW- You must put on chains if you are towing or over 10,000 lbs GVW. Chains must be used on the trailer or vehicle being towed as well.

Snow Zone: Chains required. Traction tires allowed on vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVW- you must use chains if you are towing or rated at over 10,000 lbs GVW. Chains must be used on the unit being towed. If you are under 10,000 lbs GVW you must use either chains or traction tires.

You can visit Oregon’s Chain Law page for full details.

Watch out for closures

As weather changes there might be road closures as determined by the DOT, so be sure to check conditions and road closure announcements before you hit the road. It’s not fun getting stuck or having to turn around.

Be sure to check out Where are Tire Chains Needed to plan out your trips this winter. This is a complete listing for both Canada and the United States of who requires chains and studded tires, along with links to each province and states additional winter driving information.

It bears mentioning that when it’s time to dig out the snow chains, its also smart to outfit your vehicle for winter. Sign up to receive this handy checklist to make sure your prepared this winter.

Drive safe!