Oregon Tire Chain Laws

How Oregon handles chains

The presumptive fine is $880 for a commercial vehicle that fails to use chains (ORS 815.140), a specific fine traffic violation. Oregon has no fixed season. Chains go live only when ODOT posts Snow Zone or Chains Required signs, most often November through March on I-5 Siskiyou, I-84 Cabbage Hill, US-20 Santiam, US-26 Government Camp, and US-97. Over 10,000 pounds, traction tires do not substitute. Carry six chains. ODOT and OSP enforce roadside.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: No fixed season, most common November through March. Live only when ODOT posts Snow Zone or Chains Required signs (ORS 815.140). ODOT and Oregon State Police run roadside chain enforcement.
• Where: All state highways when posted. Key routes: I-5 Siskiyou Pass, I-84 Cabbage Hill, US-20 Santiam Pass, US-26 Government Camp, US-97.
• Applies to: All vehicles when signs are posted. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW or towing must carry chains and use them when the posting requires.
• Chains vs traction devices: For a truck over 10,000 lbs, traction tires do not substitute for chains, and textile covers like AutoSock do not meet the requirement. A standard tractor-trailer needs six chains: two tires per side on the primary drive axle plus one tire each side of a trailer axle.
• Check the live order: TripCheck (tripcheck.com) or call 511 for the chain requirement in effect right now.
• Fine: $880 presumptive fine for a commercial vehicle that fails to use chains or traction tires (ORS 815.140). The statute makes it a specific fine traffic violation, not a minor infraction. For a non-commercial driver, disobeying posted chain or traction-tire signs is a Class C traffic violation.

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