CA
California chain requirements
California Vehicle Code §27459 authorizes posted chain requirements. Caltrans reports R-1, R-2 and R-3 control levels.
California R-1, R-2 and R-3 chain controls · Official CA road report
Chain controls · western US
Chain controls and snow-chain requirements
See which passes have chain or traction controls right now, understand the posted control level, and check the rules for your state before you reach the chain-up area. This guide is educational, not legal or fitment advice.
What does chain control mean?
A chain control is a temporary road restriction that requires specified vehicles to use tire chains or another approved traction device. The exact rule depends on the state, posted control level, vehicle and tires; the current DOT notice and roadside signs control.
Chain and traction controls in effect now
0 No matched report shows a chain or traction control right now.
That is not a statewide all-clear. Some states have no live feed here, so check the official DOT report for your route.
Read from official DOT feeds. Closures and other advisories are on the live pass board.
Chain rules by state
WA
Washington chain requirements
RCW 46.37.420 and WAC 204-24-050 govern tire-chain authority and chain requirements.
OR
Oregon chain requirements
ORS 815.140, 815.145 and 815.045 cover traction-device requirements, exemptions and posted controls.
UT
Utah chain requirements
Utah Code §41-6a-1636 governs traction devices; canyon controls are administered by UDOT.
NV
Nevada chain requirements
NRS 484D.515 and 484D.520 cover traction devices and posted chain or snow-tire requirements.
ID
Idaho chain requirements
Idaho designates chain-up requirements on specific commercial routes and passes; passenger guidance is published by ITD.
CO
Colorado chain requirements
CRS §42-4-106 contains Colorado's passenger traction and chain-law requirements.
Colorado Code 15 and Code 16 explained · Official CO road report
MT
Montana chain requirements
MCA §61-9-406 governs restrictions on tires, chains and traction devices.
WY
Wyoming chain requirements
W.S. §31-5-956 defines Wyoming Level 1 and Level 2 hazardous-condition restrictions.
AZ
Arizona chain requirements
Arizona has no general passenger-vehicle chain-control level system comparable to California's R levels.
Choosing and fitting a traction device
Fitment
AutoSock vs tire chains
Textile traction devices can be easier to fit, but acceptance and suitability vary by jurisdiction, vehicle and posted control.
Fitment
How to match tire chains to tire size
A safe chain choice starts with the complete sidewall size and the vehicle maker's clearance rules.
Fitment
Commercial-vehicle chain basics
Commercial chain placement, carry dates and exemptions vary by state and configuration; this overview is not a substitute for the governing DOT diagram.
Common questions
Do I need chains if I have four-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Sometimes. California's R-2 level exempts qualifying four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels, but R-3 has no exception. Washington can require every vehicle to chain up, and Colorado's Passenger Vehicle Chain Law applies to all passenger vehicles. Carry chains that fit your tires either way.
Are AutoSocks or other textile devices allowed instead of chains?
It depends on the state and the posted control. Some states accept specific alternative traction devices and some controls require conventional chains. Confirm that your exact device is approved where you plan to drive, and follow the device maker's speed and pavement limits.
How do I know if chain controls are in effect right now?
The list on this page shows chain and traction controls from the official DOT feeds Pass Conditions reads, with the time each report was checked. Before you leave, open the state DOT report for your route; roadside signs and officers at checkpoints have the final word.
What happens if I drive past a chain control without chains?
Officers at checkpoints can turn vehicles back, and ignoring a posted requirement can lead to a citation. A spun-out vehicle can also close the road for everyone behind it. When a control is posted and you are not equipped, wait or choose another route.
Laws, control levels and device approvals change. Verify with the state DOT before each trip; roadside signs and law-enforcement direction control. Pass Conditions carries no chain affiliate links.