Having a set of snow chains in Oregon is not just a good idea--it's the law. Knowing when and where to use tire chains can keep you on the road, whatever Mother Nature might throw your way. Using tire chains or traction tires in very snowy or icy conditions can save your life; however, using them in the wrong conditions may cause damage to your vehicle and to Oregon's roads.
In areas where bad winter weather is likely, yellow traffic signs will be posted, noting, "Snow Zone: Carry Chains or Traction Tires." When you see these signs, you must have a sufficient number of chains for your vehicle. All vehicles, even those equipped with 4WD, must carry tire chains. Light duty vehicles, which are defined as any vehicle under 10,000 pounds gross weight, as well as passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks, must have tire chains for two wheels.
Some road conditions make it necessary for vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross weight to use tire chains. Moreover, there are times the Oregon Department of Transportation deems winter weather conditions bad enough that it is necessary for all vehicles to use chains. This is called a conditional closure and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Conditional road closures are especially common on Interstate 5 through Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland.
Vehicles under 10,000 pounds gross weight can use traction tires instead of tire chains, except during a conditional road closure. Traction tires include snow tires, studded tires and retractable studded tires. Studded tires are legal in the state of Oregon from November 1 to April 1. Due to the damage studded tires can cause to roads, you are encouraged to wait until it is absolutely necessary to use them.
Certain vehicles are partly or completely exempt from the requirement to carry and use tire chains. State Department of Transportation vehicles used in highway maintenance are exempt as are vehicles operated by public utility companies when responding to an emergency. If modifications to make a bus accessible for the disabled are the sole reason the bus is over 10,000 pounds GVW, the bus is exempt from the requirement to use chains when required on vehicles over 10,000 GVW. Motorcycles are exempt from carrying tire chains and are not allowed on roads when chain requirements are in effect.
