Drivers warned of $1,000 fines as ‘chain control’ rules go into effect – officials will be hunting down offenders
When snow falls this winter, drivers have been warned that they could face $1,000 in fines.
In certain places, this time of year is particularly difficult for drivers, with some imposing heavier fines than others.
Two winter storms will make driving from the Sierra Nevada to Lake Tahoe extremely hazardous, according to SFGate, a news network with locations in the Bay Area and California.
Strong gusts and a lot of snow are predicted; in some locations, one to two feet of snow are anticipated, and three feet might fall over the weekend.
‘Chain control’ regulations are in place to achieve this, meaning that when highway signs specify that chains are needed, drivers must stop and fasten their tires.
During the winter months, this is really a standard procedure in many jurisdictions, and breaking these regulations can lead to fines.
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When it comes to chain control, some states are more difficult for drivers than others.
The California Highway Patrol will impose fines on drivers who fail to stop and put on chains when instructed to do so.
Due to their propensity for snow, Colorado can impose fines as little as $50 plus a $16 penalty for failing to carry chains, or as high as $500 plus a $78 cost for failing to use chains when necessary.
For obstructing the highway, this amounts to an outrageous $1,000 fine plus a $156 fee.
Drivers in Wyoming face fines of up to $250 for infractions and up to $750 if the infraction results in the closure of a highway.
In Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana, among other states, chains are only permitted when necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions.
There are regulations governing the usage of tire chains in several states, including Delaware, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, during specific months of the year.
‘Chain control’ rules across each state in the US
Alabama: When necessary for safety because of snow, rain, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Chains are prohibited in Alaska between May 1 and September 15 north of 60 North Latitude and between April 15 and September 30 south of 60 North Latitude. For exceptions, special permits are needed.
Arizona: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Arkansas: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
California: When highway signage specify it, drivers must use chains. The California Highway Patrol imposes fines for noncompliance.
Colorado: Trucks on Interstate 70 are required to have chains from September 1 to May 31. $50 for failing to carry chains, $500 for failing to use chains when necessary, and $1,000 for obstructing the highway are the penalties.
Connecticut: From November 15 until April 30, chains are allowed during dangerous weather.
Delaware: From October 15 to April 15, chains are permitted on public roads.
Georgia: When mandated by the Georgia Department of Transportation, chains must be fastened to the outermost driving tires during bad weather.
Idaho: When conditions are dangerous, chains are needed on some passes, and there must be at least one tire on each drive axle and one axle at or close to the back.
Illinois: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Indiana: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Iowa: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Kansas: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Kentucky: There are rules regarding chain size and spacing, and chains must be utilized on ice-covered highways.
Louisiana: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Maine: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, chains are permitted. From May 1 through October 1, metal studs are not allowed.
Maryland: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Massachusetts: During dangerous weather, chains are permitted without a permission from November 1 to May 1.
Michigan: When snow, ice, or other conditions are present, chains are permitted for safety; however, they must not cause damage to the road surface.
Minnesota: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Mississippi: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Missouri: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, chains are permitted. From April 1 to November 1, metal studs are not allowed.
Montana: In hazardous situations, chains or other traction devices are advised or necessary on driving wheels.
Nebraska: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Nevada: When highway signage specify it, chains or snow tires are needed. Chains are required for cars weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
New Hampshire: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
New Jersey: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
New Mexico: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
New York: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
North Carolina: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Chains are permitted in North Dakota from October 15 to April 15. It is acceptable to have metal studs within 1/16 inch of the tread.
Ohio: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Oklahoma: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Oregon: When signage specify it, chains are needed on some routes. Six chains must be carried by truckers.
Pennsylvania: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Rhode Island: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
South Carolina: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
South Dakota: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, chains are permitted. The South Dakota DOT posts restrictions.
Tennessee: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Texas: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Utah: During dangerous conditions or from October 1 to April 30, chains must be used on specific roadways.
Vermont: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, chains are permitted. Vehicles with trailers must meet certain specifications.
Virginia: When necessary for safety in the event of snow, ice, or slick conditions, tire chains are permitted.
Washington: Vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds must use chains on specific routes between November 1 and April 1.
West Virginia: In the event of snow, ice, or other hazardous circumstances, chains are permitted for safety.
Wisconsin: Chains are allowed for safety when snow, ice, or other conditions are present, but must not damage the road surface.
Wyoming: In dangerous situations, chains are necessary. In some cases, fines might be imposed.
This comes as an overnight winter parking banhas caused uproar after drivers were forced to leave their cars at libraries and police stations.
Residents of one Massachusetts city have been left outraged by the return of restrictive parking rules for the winter.
This has even seen some people no longer allowed to keep their vehicles outside of their own homes.
Locals of Watertown, about 10 miles west of Boston, are banned from parking their cars on the street between 1am and 6am during the colder months.
The ban is set to come into effect on December 2 but drivers in the city have urged officials to reconsider, claiming that it is a huge “inconvenience”.
Read More on The US Sun
And elsewhere,drivers in the state of Michigan must take extra care when following a snowplow while it s working this winter, or face the consequences.
Car owners can risk picking up a $100 fine in snowy conditions – after a law was passed to prevent accidents happening in poor conditions.
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