Amid Snow, WSP Ramps Up Chain Enforcement On Mountain Passes

WASHINGTON — With the snowy season underway, Washington State Patrol on Thursday shared some seasonal reminders for drivers heading over mountain passes, particularly those operating large commercial vehicles.

Citing unprecedented pass closures last winter, and increasing cross-state commercial traffic volumes, WSP said it is imperative that drivers carefully follow all chain requirements to help keep everyone safe and reduce the risk of multi-hour disruptions. State law requires all vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds to carry extra chains between November and April.

"Strict enforcement of the chain carry requirement will be conducted and Commercial Truck drivers in violation can be cited $500 and NOT allowed to proceed into the mountain pass zone until in compliance," WSP wrote. "This [includes] those drivers that had the proper number of chains but failed to have the proper number of chains (2) to meet the spare chain requirement."

Troopers will also be deployed on "sleeper" patrols, looking for truck drivers who have pulled over to sleep in a designated chain area to wait out the storm or use it as an undesignated rest stop.

Learn more about Washington's commercial vehicle restrictions and brush up on winter driving tips on WSDOT's website.