Nevada Tire Chain Laws

How Nevada handles chains

Nevada requires chains on any highway where NDOT posts chain control (NRS 484D.515). Over 10,000 pounds gross you must run chains on the drive wheels and trailer braking wheels. Snow tires alone do not satisfy it (NRS 484D.520). A truck pulling a combination must carry chains in winter, posted or not. Watch SR-431 Mt. Rose, US-50 near Carson City, SR-207 Kingsbury Grade, and the Mt. Charleston roads. Since 2023 the violation is a civil infraction, not a misdemeanor, with a civil penalty up to $500 plus assessments. Check nvroads.com or 511 for live chain control.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: No fixed season. Chain use is live only when NDOT posts chain-control signs on the approach (NRS 484D.515). A full-sized truck or truck-tractor in a combination must still carry chains in the seasons when weather may require them, posted or not (NAC 484D.420(5)). Enforced by NDOT and Nevada Highway Patrol.
• Where: Any Nevada street or highway posted with chain signs under icy or snowy conditions (NRS 484D.515, 484D.520). NDOT names SR-431 Mt. Rose Highway, US-50 Glenbrook to Carson City, and SR-207 Kingsbury Grade at Lake Tahoe, plus SR-156, SR-157 and SR-158 at Mt. Charleston.
• Applies to: All vehicles when posted. A vehicle or combination over 10,000 lbs gross must run chains, not just snow tires (NRS 484D.520).
• Chains vs traction devices: Over 10,000 lbs you must install tire chains on the drive wheels and on braking wheels of trailers. Nevada chains may be metal or plastic, with two side loops joined across the tread by at least nine evenly spaced chains, cables or straps (NAC 484D.220). Automatic chains count on drive axles only, with cross members over at least 85% of the tire width (NRS 484D.530). Snow tires alone do not satisfy the requirement for a heavy truck. NDOT has approved fabric or plastic alternative traction devices, but it does not say whether they meet the chain rule over 10,000 lbs. The statute sets the minimum at two driving wheels plus the braking wheels of any trailer that has or must have brakes (NRS 484D.525). The NDOT and NHP chain brochure requires only one drive axle chained, but they can order chains on all drive wheels if conditions warrant. A semi-trailer needs one set regardless of axle count, and tag axles need none. Cable chains are legal but may be restricted at times because of local conditions. NDOT and NHP can bar any vehicle from a chain control area if they judge it will have trouble traveling safely, even with chains. A full-sized truck or truck-tractor in a combination must carry one set of chains for each wheel with power applied during the seasons when weather may require them, whether or not chain control is posted (NAC 484D.420(5)).
• Check the live order: NDOT road conditions (nvroads.com) or call 511 for the chain control in effect right now.
• Fine: Not a fixed statewide figure. Since January 1, 2023, a chain violation is a civil infraction, not a misdemeanor (Nevada AB 116). The court sets a civil penalty up to $500 plus administrative assessments (NRS 484A.7043).

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