What are commercial vehicle chain requirements in Washington state?

As snowy weather and winter storms loom in the weeks and months ahead, learn more about commercial vehicle chain requirements in Washington state.

To get you geared up for the winter weather ahead, we’ve compiled information from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on chain requirements for commercial vehicle drivers.

When and where must commercial vehicle drivers carry chains in Washington?

On the following routes, all vehicles and combinations of vehicles over 10,000 pounds shall carry sufficient tire chains to meet the requirements from November 1 to April 1 of each year or at other times when chains are required for such vehicles:

• I-90 between North Bend (MP 32) and Ellensburg (MP 101)
• I-82 between Ellensburg Exit 3 (MP 3.00) and Selah Exit 26 (MP 26.00)
• SR-97 between (MP 145) and Junction
• SR-2 between Dryden (MP 108) and Index (MP 36)
• SR-12 between Packwood (MP 135) and Naches (MP 187)
• SR-97 between junction SR-14 (MP 4) Columbia River and Toppenish (MP 59)
• SR-410 from Enumclaw to Naches
• SR-20 between Tonasket (MP 262) and Kettle Falls (MP 342)
• SR-155 between Omak (MP 79) and Nespelem (MP 45)
• SR-970 between (MP 0) and (MP 10)
• SR-14 (MP 18) to Junction 97 (MP 102)
• SR-542 Mt Baker Highway between (MP 22.91) and (MP 57.26)

Vehicles making local deliveries as indicated on bills of lading and not crossing the mountain pass are exempt from this requirement if operating outside of the chain required area.

How many chains must commercial vehicle drivers carry in Washington?

All vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW shall carry a minimum of 2 extra chains for use in the event that road conditions require the use of more chains or that chains in use are broken or otherwise made useless.

What types of chains must commercial vehicle drivers carry in Washington?

Approved chains for vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight shall have at least two side chains attached sufficient cross chains of hardened metal so that at least one cross-chain is in contact with the road surface at all times. Plastic chains shall not be allowed. The Washington State Patrol may approve other devices as chains if the devices are equivalent to regular chains in performance (cable chains allowable).

See below for a WSDOT diagram on proper chain placement.