Oregon Tire Chain Laws

How Oregon handles chains

The presumptive fine is $880 when a truck registered under ORS chapter 826 fails to use chains (ORS 815.140), a specific fine traffic violation. Oregon has no fixed season. Chains go live only where ODOT posts Snow Zone or Chains Required signs, on any state highway, 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 at least six chains for a single trailer, more for doubles. ODOT and OSP enforce roadside. Check TripCheck or call 511.

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. 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. Doubles, B-trains and C-trains need eight.
• Check the live order: TripCheck (tripcheck.com) or call 511 for the chain requirement in effect right now.
• Fine: $880 presumptive fine for failing to use chains or traction tires in a vehicle registered under ORS chapter 826, which covers IRP and weight-mile tax registration (ORS 815.140). The statute makes it a specific fine traffic violation, not a minor infraction. For any other vehicle, failing to use required chains or traction tires is a Class C traffic violation with a $165 presumptive fine (ORS 153.019). Failing to carry chains where a posted sign requires them is a separate Class C violation for every vehicle, trucks included (ORS 815.142).

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