Note: This website is best viewed at 1024x768.

1. Do not exceed 30 mph while using chains.

2. Never use tire chain for towing purposes.

3. If using traditional link chain, always inspect each chain carefully to remove
any tangles or twists prior to installation. Breakage in link chains are
caused by driving on twisted links, driving at speeds greater than 30 mph
for a prolonged period, and extended driving on dry pavement.

4. Carry rubber adjusters to keep chains snug to tight.

5. Do not deflate tire to install tire chains.

6. Pull off highway to a safe place to install or remove chains.

7. Make sure your tire chains are properly sized. Proper
fit is the key to performance.

8. Apply as tightly as possible by hand, drive one-quarter of
a mile, stop and check chains.

9. Always pre-fit your traction products to your vehicle before they are actually
needed. While winter traction products are uniform in size, tires are not. They
vary in size by manufacturer, age, tread and type. Snow tires may require a
larger traction product than a like-sized highway tire.

After use, always rinse your tire chains and spray them with an
all-purpose lubricant, such as WD-40, before storing them. This will help
retard rust and insure a longer product life.

Note: Carrying chains can add a lot of weight. Chains for an average
tire weighs approximately 51 lbs. per pair for singles  and 92 lbs.
per pair for duals. The cables weigh approximately 18lbs. per pair
for singles and 35lbs. per pair for dual triples.

On any semi-trailer only one set of chains is required
regardless of number of axles. Chains on trailers may be staggered
front and back. Chains are not required on tag axle. Some dual trailer
configurations may be restricted from moving into a snow area when
chains are required.

Colorado
Colorado's chain laws apply to every state highway, federal highway
and interstate. The DOT says when the law is in effect, signs will be
place along roadways indicating which vehicles must chain up.
Truckers can remove chains where bare pavement is encountered
on a descending grade. Trucks must chain four wheels.
Dual tire chains are an acceptable choice, but tire cables are
not allowed. No chains are required on trailers, but ,Colorado
will be monitoring the effectiveness of tire cables on trailer tires. Auto
transporters must comply to the full extent of the chain laws.

Colorado has 2  levels of law for commercial vehicles. Level one
requires the use of snow tires or traction devices such as chains or
cable chains on all single axle combination commercial vehicles.
When level two is in effect, chains are required for all commercial
trucks. Level two may be at any time snow covers the
entire surface of the roadway.

Michigan
Michigan has no chain law requirement. It's illegal for trucks
to use chains in Michigan. According to MDOT, trucks with chains do
service centers that update winter road conditions by phone. The
main number for these is (517) 373-1620. Road info is also available
through AAA. Their number is (800) 411-4823.

Minnesota
Minnesota has no law on the books requiring trucks to
carry chains.

Nevada
Nevada requires you to carry chains for at least two wheels of a drive
axle and two braking wheels of a trailer. The ph. #: (775)
793-1313 for information on all northern Nevada roads.

Oregon
Oregon's chain law is specific and applies to all highways throughout
the state. The law states that in addition to chaining the drive axle,
tractors with one trailer must have chains on four tires of the primary
drive axle, and if pulling two trailers, chains must be on four tires of
the primary drive axle. When equipped with a secondary drive axle,
chain two tires of the secondary drive axle.
Questions about chain laws and current regulations
 Call the Oregon DOT
 (Ashland, OR) (541) 482-4344 or the Salem office at (503) 986-3005.

 Utah
Utah has no specific law stating trucks must carry chains, but the
office of the Utah Highway Patrol would like to see truckers carry
chains between Nov. 1 and Mar. 31.

Washington
The Washington chain laws are specific and complicated. The
numbers of chains truckers are required to carry depend on the
number of drive axles. WADOT suggests giving Motor Carrier
Services a call at (800) 562-6902 about their
chain up requirements. trucks must carry tire chains from Nov. 1 to Apr.1
 on certain routes.

Wyoming
Wyoming's  law states that all vehicles that encounter
slippery conditions may be required to be equipped with chains or
adequate snow tires. The Wyoming highway patrol posts signs to this
effect.

 In other states:
Arizona cites Part 393 of the Federal Regs: Tire chains of
reasonable size may be used when snow, ice or other conditions
causing skidding exist.

Idaho has no specific chain laws.

Iowa has no chain laws.

North Dakota has no chain laws.

Wisconsin has no chain requirement, and do
allow trucks to use them in slippery conditions.