Tire chains required???

Why is it required in certain parts of cali to have tire chains in the winter (even big bear)... It seems really weird to me that i can get a ticket if i dont run chains. Being from upstate NY and travelling for work i have driven in some of the worst snow storms in the country and have never used tire chains (on the road, snow wheeling yes). In NY, you have to go to a specialty store to special order chains. It seems every big store in CA carries all size chains in stock. It seems like a joke to me or i could be wrong what is a cali snow storm like?

 

A lot of states have tire chain laws. Typically that is void if the vehicle is 4x4. Just have to check the chain laws of the state to be sure.

 

Not that ive seen so far. Rte 2 going over the Berkshire mountains in Mass are pretty crazy, Rte 101 over the green mountains in Vt, Rte 28 going through the adirondacks in NY are all just like the mountains here, twisty and steep. But i still think NY gets a bit more snow lol. I drive 4x4 but dont use 4wd it on the road. Ive driven in some crazy weather 2wd, some weight, and good tires. 4x4 is for when your stuck...

 

I go up to Big bear a few times a yr. You dont need chains if you got 4 wheel drive AND (i think) you have snow tires. Or maybe its one or the other. lol. I forgot.

 

idk maybe my upbringing but snow to me is a common thing. i dont even pay attention. ive had bad tires in snow, good tires in snow, motorcycle in snow(okay that was scary) fwd sedans, a rwd GTO...then i see chains required and i just laugh to myself. but a friend of mine from TX came to my house in NY and wrapped his car around a tree and there was only like 3-4 inches of snow on the road.

Like i said maybe its me. I used to make my living driving in terrible weather plowing snow so it was my job to be in the thick of it and i never used chains and no mountains ever stopped me.

 

It is because they can't drive in snow. I grew up by canada and out FWD cars in alot of places and seen alot of 4x4's wrapped around a tree it is all what you are used to. But a FWD in IMO is better the a RWD because all the wheight is over the drive axle.

 

They'll see the New York plates and will let you pass without chains.

 

especially when im the only one without chains but the only one that can still keep it in a straight line...

 

haha yea, Here in oregon they have restrictions over passes, but when they say chains required the signs say on trucks towing or anything over 10,000lbs GVW. I plow buy people all the time in my honda FWD and hankook studs, GOLDEN!!! I'n my truck tho, a bit slower, but psh, chains are for people who prolly shouldnt be in the snow!

 

(I know I'm from Hawaii) but...I used to snowboard in Tahoe A LOT when I went to UC Santa Cruz, and I had a 4x4 4Runner w/ BFG A/T tires, and was always fine at chain checks...usually your ok as long as you have 4x4 & A/T / snow tires. They'll just check that you're in 4wheel drive and check out your tires.

 

Each state is different. Part of it to depends on how the roads are maintained. In the Eastern States they are more prepared for winter conditions than let's say, California. The road crews are more prepared and plentiful.

 

You must have never been to upstate ny in late feb early march(during the time of the year for big snowfalls). The state runs out of money for snow removal by then so they usually wait till the storm stops to plow.

 

Washington State requires chains at times on the mountain passes. Mostly for vehicles over 10,000 lbs. On pick-ups and cars usually traction tires ( mud and snow, all weather) but there are times they do require chains and even on 4X4 vehicles that are equipped with winter driving tires. You car can be impounded and you fined for not having chains with you.
For some reason chains are the preferred way for providing traction in the passes. Can be a pain to put on and many throw them off on the roadways by driving with them to loose or to fast.

 

I was just up at big bear on friday-bear mountain is open early this year, 25 bucks for 1 lift and 1 run that lasts about 3 minutes, anyhow there obviously was no snow up there yet besides what was created by the snow guns. Unfortunately I'm gonna have to get chains or cables which I've never had before cause my truck is 2wd. I'm actually kinda excited to drive in the snow! hahah...
I lived in NY peekskille for 2 years but was too young to drive so I don't really have too much experience with snow driving.

 

Two reasons:
1. Californians can't drive for shit in the snow.
2. California has a law for everything. They just increased wiping your ass the wrong direction from a misdemeanor to a felony.

 

I heard our trucks had issues clearing chains. Have you putem on before or know if they indeed have problems?

 

im buying a set because they are cheap out here and readily available. i probably wont use them until i go back to ny but still only for snow wheeling

 

you have to drive real slow with chains or they can loosen up and start swinging and can tear some shit up under your car/truck

Edit: they will probably clear fine if properly installed and you drive slow

 

If you are going over I80 (by tahoe) they almost NEVER go to R3 (they will usually just close the road), the only time I have heard of chaining up on a 4WD was when I was up there and got stuck behind an accident. If you go to the Cal Trans website they outline all the rules and regulations (see below). One amazing thing is - studded tires in CA do not meet the requirement to carry "traction devices".

Chain Requirements:

• R1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
• R2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  (NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• R3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.