SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Washington state troopers are reminding drivers to use chains when required and emphasizing that they are enforcing the rules, with the potential for $500 fines.
"We need the snow, we need the snowpack, and we also need to keep people being able to travel over the pass," Trooper Rick Johnson said. "If you don't adhere to the instructions, spin out and block the road, WSDOT can't get their plows and graders through and continue to make the pass passable."
When chains are required on Snoqualmie Pass, for example, state patrol sets up checkpoints to turn people around who aren't prepared. Ultimately, the goal is to keep them off the passes, but in cases where they somehow get through, they can be issued a $500 fine.
State patrol has issued more than 250 citations and fines so far this year.
"Lately, of course, it's been imperative that we do a lot more [enforcement] because of the imperatives put in place; it all has to do with the restrictions," Trooper Johnson said.
The ultimate goal is to keep driving on the pass as safe as possible and to prevent closures that can last for hours. Despite being more than a month into winter weather driving conditions, some people still do not have their chains packed and ready to go. State patrol encourages them to prepare and practice putting them on ahead of time.
"That's why we do the enforcement, to keep the pass open," Trooper Johnson said. "Not just because we want to make sure people are following the rules - it's for a good reason."
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