As we enter the winter months, we offer this reminder of Oregon tire chain requirements.
Utility Trailer Sales in Clackamas and Redmond carries a wide variety of tire chain sizes and chain grades for all your truck and trailer chain configurations.
Key Requirements for Commercial Vehicles in Oregon
- Vehicles over 10,000 lb GVW maust crry chains
- According to ODOT, all commercial vehicles with a GVW over 10,000 lbare required to carry chains when road conditions might demand their use or when “Snow Zone” signs are posted.
- Failing to carry required chains can lead to fines.
- When in use (” Chains Required”)
- When chain-up is required (as indicated by chain law signage), commercial vehicles need to actually mount them per the placement rules in OAR 734-017-0010.
- ODOT defines “chains” broadly: link chains, cable chains, or any device that increases traction by attaching to the tire or wheel
- Drivers must not drive over 30 mph when chains are installed.
- Chain Placement (per OAR 734-017-0010)
The Oregon Administrative Rules specify how many tires need chains depending on the vehicle configuration:- Solo commercial vehicles (26,001+ lb) not towing
- Single-drive axle: one tire on each side of the drive axle.
- Tandem-drive axle: either two tires per side on the primary drive axle, or if both axles are powered, one tire on each side of each drive axle.
- Commercial vehicles towing trailers/semitrailers
- Single-drive axle + trailer: chains on two tires each side of the drive axle, plus one tire on the front axle and one on a rear axle of the trailer.
- Single-drive + semi-trailer: two tires on each side of the drive axle, and two (one on each side) on any axle of the semi-trailer.
- Tandem-drive + trailer or semitrailer: similar chain counts on the drive axles, plus at least one tire per side on trailer axles, depending on configuration.
- Solo commercial vehicles (26,001+ lb) not towing
- Conditional Road Closures (“All Vehicles Must Chain”)
- In very severe winter conditions, ODOT may issue a conditional road closure. Under these closures, all vehicles — regardless of weight or tire type — may be required to use chains.
- During those closures, traction-only tires are not sufficient; chains are required.
- What Counts as “Traction Tires”
- Traction tires are defined as studded tires, retractable studded tires, or other tires built for severe snow (marked with a “mountain/snowflake” symbol).
- However, for commercial vehicles over 10,000 lb, traction tires do not exempt you from carrying or using chains when signs require them.
- Studded tires are only legal in Oregon from November 1 through March 31.
- Penalties
- If you don’t carry required chains, you can get a Class C traffic infraction.
- For commercial vehicles failing to use chains when required, the fine can be up to $880.
- Safety & Best Practices
- ODOT recommends drivers practice installing chains before winter.
- Use designated chain-up areas, not just shoulder of highway.
- After installing, drive a short distance, then pull over (safely) and re-tighten the chains.