Winter Tips and Resources for Commercial Vehicle Drivers
Snow, ice and slick roadways create challenging driving conditions for anyone — more so when you’re behind the wheel of a 70-foot-long vehicle weighing over 100,000 pounds. Oregon law requires all commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight to carry chains whenever road conditions might require their use and Snow Zone signs are posted. You need to know
Oregon’s chain law and stay in compliance to keep yourself and others safe.
Winter tips and resources
- Start carrying chains before the weather takes you by surprise.
- Before every trip, visit TripCheck.com for chain information, snow zone notices, road closures, emergency alerts, and cameras showing mountain passes and highways. You can also sign up to receive automated traffic alerts via X.
- Find snow zone notices and road condition information by phone.
- Within Oregon, call 511 or 1-800-977-ODOT (6368). From outside Oregon, dial 503-588-2941.
- Watch this Winter Safety for Commercial Vehicles video.
- Pick up a Chain Information Card at ports of entry or ODOT Commerce and Compliance offices.
- Know how to put your chains on. Practice installing them before your trip.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to chain up. Pull over to a safe, level area such as a designated chain-up area. Wear reflective, warm clothing and keep your legs pointed away from the travel lane.
Be winter ready
- Carry an emergency kit, shovel, flares, extra food and water, etc.
- Inspect your vehicle before you get on the road. Make sure your wipers, lights, battery, tires and brakes are working properly. Clean ice and snow off your cab, trailer, mirrors, windows and lights.
- Allow more time to reach your destination.
- Drive cautiously and wear your safety belt.
- A chain check point on I-5 in the Siskiyous.
- Make use of defensive driving to avoid crashes on slick roads.
- Don’t drive distracted! Focus on the road and your surroundings.
Cost to trucks that don’t chain up
Drivers who disobey signs requiring chains may be fined or cited. The Oregon Legislature raised the fine for trucks failing to use chains to $880 in 2021. The estimated cost of delays caused by trucks failing to follow Oregon chain laws is over $8 million a year. If your truck loses traction, it can postpone your delivery, close roads and cause long delays for other motorists. Don’t risk your life and the lives of others – chain up!