A drawing for chain installation permits has been opened in Oregon ahead of upcoming chain requirements.
The Oregon Department of Transportation allows Oregon residents to apply to be a chain installation freelancer, but each county within the state only offers a limited amount of permits.
“They do a drawing towards the beginning of November where they draw so many names from people who’ve applied,” said ODOT public information officer Thomas Strandberg to NBC.
“The reason we have the permits is to make sure that they’re trained, they know what they’re getting into. They have the proper safety vest and proper equipment so they can be safe along the side of the road,” Strandberg continued.
“Throughout the month of October, the ODOT District 12, 13 and 14 offices will collect names and addresses of those interested in obtaining a permit to assist truck drivers in chaining their vehicles for winter driving conditions,” said ODOT Permit Specialists Tom Lapp. “After the drawing, those individuals selected will have one week to complete the permit application and return it to the district office.”
“To have a program that says you need to have chains or have chains put on going over mountain passes is way more beneficial than not having them,” said trucker Ryan Fleenor. “Chains are going to help you steady your vehicle, they are going to help the traction obviously, so anyone driving around you is going to benefit from this program.”
Random drawings will be held November 1st. The permits will be valid from November 1st, 2023 until April 1st, 2023.
In Oregon, driving without chains when required could cost truck drivers an $800 fine.