California Tire Chain Laws

How California handles chains

California posts three chain levels: R-1, R-2, R-3 (CVC 27459). Your rig over 6,500 pounds gets no snow-tire exemption and chains at every level. Under R-2 you chain the drive axle plus one set on the trailer. R-3 means chains on everything. Watch I-80 Donner, US-50 Echo Summit, I-5 Grapevine, SR-58 Tehachapi, and I-15 Cajon. The base fine is small, but penalty assessments and surcharges push the real total into the low hundreds of dollars.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Winter storm season, no fixed calendar. A requirement is live only when Caltrans posts R-1, R-2, or R-3 chain-control signs on the pass approach. The level rises and falls with the storm (CVC 27459).
• Where: Mountain corridors when posted: I-80 Donner Pass, US-50 Echo Summit, I-5 Grapevine/Tejon, SR-58 Tehachapi, I-15 Cajon Pass, and other Sierra and Cascade routes.
• Applies to: All vehicles when posted. Any vehicle over 6,500 lbs gross gets no snow-tire exemption and must chain at every level, R-1 through R-3. R-3 binds all vehicles with no exceptions.
• Chains vs traction devices: Metal or cable chains count as tire traction devices. For a rig over 6,500 lbs, snow tires and traction tires never substitute for chains, and textile covers like AutoSock do not meet the requirement. Combination vehicles chain the drive (power) axles plus one set on the semi-trailer. One trailer set is enough regardless of axle count, none on the tag axle.
• Check the live order: Caltrans QuickMap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) or call 1-800-427-7623 for the chain-control level in effect right now.
• Fine: CVC 27459 carries no fine of its own; the violation is an infraction. The base fine is modest, but California's mandatory penalty assessments and surcharges multiply it into the low hundreds of dollars. Check your county bail schedule for the current amount.

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