Follow chain-up requirements on Cascade passes or face a $500 fine

WASHINGTON, USA — Winter snowfall in the Cascades can create breathtaking sights, but it can also create dangerous driving conditions.

Over the past few years, over half of the road closures on Snoqualmie Pass are because drivers ignore tire chain requirements, get into collisions, and block lanes, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Ignoring chain requirements during winter storms and inclement weather could cost you $500.

Also see | 5 essential items to keep in your car this winter

WSDOT said crews need to close the roadway when collisions block lanes on the mountain passes because getting emergency personnel and tow trucks to the scene of a crash can take hours and is much more difficult than on a regular highway.

“Not only does it take a long time, but it’s a huge inconvenience to the more than 30,000 vehicles that travel across Snoqualmie Pass every day,” WSDOT said.

Troopers are also keeping an eye on the other Cascade passes for drivers failing to chain up.

WSDOT reminded drivers about the chain-up requirements:

• Vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or greater – including some large SUVs and RVs – must install chains when traction tires are required.
• All vehicles, except 4WD and AWD, must put on chains when tire chains are required. However, 4WD and AWD vehicles still need to carry chains in order to proceed across the pass.
• All vehicles including 4WD and AWD need to put on chains when chains are required on all vehicles.

If your vehicle’s tires can’t take chains or the manufacturer doesn’t recommend them, WSP shared a list of approved alternatives to help drivers. Click here for the list.

What do traction advisories mean?

Traction Tires Advised: Oversize loads prohibited from roadways. Click here for Commercial Vehicle Services and load information.

Traction Tires Required: All passenger vehicles must have approved traction tires. Chains required on all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds, including large passenger trucks, SUVs and RVs.

Tire Chains Required: All vehicles must have approved tire chains, except four- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Violators face a $500 fine. 4WD and AWD vehicles must still carry chains during the advisory or face a fine.

Chains Required On All Vehicles: During extreme weather, ALL vehicles must install chains when this is posted — even 4WD/AWD.