WASHINGTON STATE — Starting November 1 and running through April 1, vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight must carry tire chains at all times on designated mountain routes in Washington, regardless of road conditions or advisories.
Routes Covered
- I-90 between North Bend (mile marker 32) and Ellensburg (mile marker 101)
- I-82 between Ellensburg Exit 3 and Selah Exit 26
- SR-97 between mile marker 145 and Junction
- SR-2 between Dryden (mile marker 108) and Index (mile marker 36)
- SR-12 between Packwood (mile marker 135) and Naches (mile marker 187)
- SR-97 between the SR-14 junction (mile marker 4) at the Columbia River and Toppenish (mile marker 59)
- SR-410 from Enumclaw to Naches
- SR-20 between Tonasket (mile marker 262) and Kettle Falls (mile marker 342)
- SR-155 between Omak (mile marker 79) and Nespelem (mile marker 45)
- SR-970 between mile marker 0 and mile marker 10
- SR-14 (mile marker 18) to the SR-97 junction (mile marker 102)
- SR-542 Mt. Baker Highway between mile marker 22.91 and mile marker 57.26
The Washington State Department of Transportation said drivers do not need chains for local deliveries if they stay outside the chain-required areas and do not cross a mountain pass. “WSDOT or WSP may stop vehicles without chains from going into areas where chains are required.”
Chain Requirements for Trucks
- Chains must be two-sided, not plastic, and made with sufficient hardened metal.
- All vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds must carry at least two extra tire chains.
- At least one cross-chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times.
- The Washington State Patrol may approve other devices as chains, but they must perform equivalently to regular chains. Cable chains are allowed.
WSDOT also published diagrams showing allowable chain placement for commercial trucks.
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