Out of curiosity, for those of us who live in California, what sort of snow chains or cables do you carry to keep Caltrans and the CHP happy?
California chain requirements
- Thread starter Duster
- Start date
Nothing makes them happy other than handing out tickets and court dates.
You're really being too hard on them. Sometimes they just want to delay, or like a CHP neighbor of ours used to do, pull my dad over - generally stressing him - only to ask if he wanted some coffee.
Grand Umpah
New Member
Here's a couple of links that provide info: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/documents/chainrequire-a11y.pdf
https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls
https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls
I believe if you have 4wd and AT tires, you don't need chains. At least that is what I am told at checkpoints headed to Big Bear. At a certain point, a sign says "chains required", it is a rotating sign, so it is only out during certain times. later up the road, if it is actively freezing and snowing, "chains required" goes to chains must be installed or you must have 4wd and AT or better tires. We always get asked and then sent on through. I only have one vehicle that is not 4wd, a F450 (which I have towed rigs to the mountains with) but never use it during winter runs.
Please note, this is free info. Not certified.
Please note, this is free info. Not certified.
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I believe if you have 4wd and AT tires, you don't need chains. At least that is what I am told at checkpoints headed to Big Bear. At a certain point, a sign says "chains required", it is a rotating sign, so it is only out during certain times. later up the road, if it is actively freezing and snowing, "chains required" goes to chains must be installed or you must have 4wd and AT or better tires. We always get asked and then sent on through. I only have one vehicle that is not 4wd, a F450 (which I have towed rigs to the mountains with) but never use it during winter runs.
Please note, this is free info. Not certified.
Caltrans and CHP require even 4X4s with snow tires to carry chains. There are three levels of traction control. Under the lowest, 4x4s with snow tires are fine. Under the next, more intense condition, you don't need to chain up in 4x4, but you're supposed to carry them. Under the highest control, all vehicles are required to chain up. The Caltrans site remarks that roads are generally closed at the highest condition.