Truckers who travel through Washington State should prepare for commercial vehicle chain carry requirements going into effect in a couple of weeks.
From November 1 to April 1 each year, all vehicles and combinations of vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must carry sufficient chains on the following chain-required routes:
- I-90 between North Bend (mile marker 32) and Ellensburg (mile marker 101)
- I-82 between Ellensburg Exit 3 (mile marker 3.00) and Selah Exit 26 (mile marker 26.00)
- SR-97 between (mile marker 145) and Junction
- SR-2 between Dryden (mile marker 108) and Index (mile marker 36)
- SR-12 between Packwood (mile marker 135) and Naches (mile marker 187)
- SR-97 between junction SR-14 (mile marker 4) Columbia River and Toppenish (mile marker 59)
- SR-410 from Enumclaw to Naches
- SR-20 between Tonasket (mile marker 262) and Kettle Falls (mile marker 342)
- SR-155 between Omak (mile marker 79) and Nespelem (mile marker 45)
- SR-970 between (mile marker 0) and (mile marker 10)
- SR-14 (mile marker 18) to Junction 97 (mile marker 102)
- SR-542 Mt Baker Highway between (mile marker 22.91) and (mile marker 57.26)
For more from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on where chains are required for different axle configurations, see the graphic below.
From WSDOT:
“All vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds must carry at least two extra tire chains. Extra chains are needed in case road conditions worsen, or the chains break or become unusable – regardless if chain up requirements are posted or not. You can see all requirements in WAC 204-24-050 (2)(f).
Chains must be two-sided, not plastic, and with sufficient hardened metal. At least one cross-chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times. The Washington State Patrol may approve other devices as chains, but the devices must be 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 the chain carry requirement if operating outside of chain required area.