Dozens of truckers face $500 fines for failing chain checks on Snoqualmie Pass

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has conducted several commercial vehicle chain check operations on Snoqualmie Pass in recent weeks.

Ongoing Chain Checks On Snoqualmie Pass

Washington State’s commercial vehicle chain requirements went into effect on November 1. Since that time, WSP troopers from District 6 have conducted multiple chain check enforcement efforts in the Snoqualmie Pass area, handing out citations up to $500 for truckers who fail to meet chain requirements.

Your District 6 Commercial Motor Vehicle's division had two troopers work a chain enforcement emphasis on Snoqualmie Pass. Not having chains when you should is a $500.00 infraction. pic.twitter.com/NWo7OYTv0a

— District 6 PIO (@wspd6pio) November 20, 2024

Do you know not having chains on when required can cost nearly $500.00 in fines! @SnoqualmiePass @WSDOT_East pic.twitter.com/kksnaEp6CV

— District 6 PIO (@wspd6pio) December 9, 2024

Did you know that all commercial vehicles must carry chains in their vehicle between November 1 and April 1? @SnoqualmiePass pic.twitter.com/qP7ZZql3mN

— District 6 PIO (@wspd6pio) December 17, 2024

Additionally, a Washington State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau (WSPCVEB) chain check held on Snoqualmie Pass over a two day period during November resulted in 146 commercial vehicles inspected, with 64 chain violations found.

What Are Chain Requirements In Washington?

From November 1 to April 1, Washington State requires that all vehicles and combinations of vehicles over 10,000 pounds required to carry sufficient tire chains on the following routes:

• 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)

Sufficient tire chains are defined by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as follows:

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, WAC 204-24-050 (2) (f).

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).

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, WSDOT states.

For more on Washington State chain requirements, please click here.