You could get a $500 ticket for not chaining up on passes

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Winter weather caused Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 to close temporarily Thursday morning. When it reopened, Washington State Patrol warned drivers that all vehicles that do not have all-wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive, were required to have chains on if they’re traveling over the pass.

If drivers don’t follow this requirement, they are subject to a $500.00 fine.

The Department of Transportation warned people on Twitter than WSP Troopers were out enforcing chain requirements Thursday morning.

But, it can be tricky to figure out when exactly you need to put those chains on, and when you could be subjected to a steep ticket. We talked with WSP Trooper Brian Moore today to help you figure it out.

If WSP has said ‘TRACTION TIRES REQUIRED’:

All passenger vehicles must have approved traction tires.
Chains are required on all vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating, including large passenger trucks and SUVs. These large vehicles are subject to the $500.00 fine if not chained up.

If WSP has said ‘CHAINS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES except AWD/4WD’:

ALL vehicles, with the exception of AWD/4WD, are subject to a $500.00 ticket if not chained up.
Studded tires are not equivalent to chains. You can still be ticketed for not having chains on, even if your vehicle has studded tires.
ALL VEHICLES, regardless of AWD/4WD need to have properly fitted chains available inside the vehicle.

If WSP has said ‘CHAINS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES’:

This is only used in extreme weather conditions.
ALL VEHICLES can be ticketed if chains are not being used.
Studded tires do not meet the chain requirement

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