Vermont Tire Chain Laws

How Vermont handles chains

Vermont runs a real chain-up law. When the state activates it, chains are mandatory on VT-9 between the Wilmington and Bennington chain-up areas for any vehicle over 26,000 pounds (23 V.S.A. 1006c). Link or cable chains count. The fine is $1,000, or $2,000 if you impede traffic, doubled for a repeat within three years. Signs and the chain-up areas mark when it is on. Check VT 511 for the live order.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Live during winter weather when the state activates it. The Secretary of Transportation, the DMV Commissioner, or the Commissioner of Public Safety, or their designees, can order chains on specified state highways (23 V.S.A. 1006c). The one activated corridor today is VT-9. Chain-up signs and the designated chain-up areas tell you when the order is on.
• Where: VT-9 from the designated chain-up area in Wilmington (the old Route 9 loop around the marina) west to the chain-up area in Bennington. The Hogback Mountain stretch of VT-9, from West Brattleboro to Wilmington, is not covered, and there is no chain requirement east of the Wilmington chain-up area. That is the only designated mandatory chain-up corridor. The statute lets the state add other portions of state highway.
• Applies to: Vehicles over 26,000 pounds GVWR, or over 26,000 pounds GCWR (heavy CMVs). Lighter vehicles are not bound by the order.
• Chains vs traction devices: Link chains and cable chains both count. The statute also allows another device that attaches to the tire, wheel, or vehicle and is designed to augment traction, so an AutoSock-type device may qualify. Once the signs are posted, you must chain these tires (23 V.S.A. 1006c(e)). Single drive axle, no trailer: one tire on each side of the drive axle. Tandem drive axle, no trailer: two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or one tire on each side of each drive axle if both axles are powered. Single drive axle towing a trailer: two tires on each side of the drive axle, plus one tire on the trailer's front axle and one tire on one of its rear axles. Single drive axle towing a semitrailer: two tires on each side of the drive axle, plus one tire on each side of any semitrailer axle. Tandem drive axle towing a trailer or semitrailer: the same drive axle tires as a tandem with no trailer, plus the same trailer or semitrailer tires. A heavy rig should carry real chains.
• Check the live order: New England 511 at newengland511.org (VTrans 511) for the live Route 9 order, plus the Vermont DMV chain-up law page.
• Fine: $1,000 civil for failing to affix required chains. $2,000 if the failure substantially impedes traffic. Doubled for a repeat within three years. With Vermont Judicial Bureau surcharges, the amount due is $1,197, or $2,347 for a repeat or for impeding traffic, and $4,647 for a repeat that impedes traffic. Each carries 2 points. The ticket can go to the driver or the employer.

More for Vermont