M+S or Winter tires required in western U.S.?
I did a search of DOT websites. It appears M+S or winter (mountain-snowflake marked) tires are not required in WA, ID, MT, UT, CA, NV, AZ unless conditions warrant authorities to require them i.e....
Forum Discussion
enblethen wrote:
Second links says you must carry chains in chain areas. It even says at all times. That means year round.
Caltrans Chain guidelines
Carrying chains required in chain areas
The second link is from the "Legal Truck Access" page, which is meant for commercial trucks, but reading the actual vehicle code in section 27460 it looks like you are right and ALL 4WD vehicles must carry chains in chain control areas even when chains are not currently required. That definitely throws a wrench in my desire to not buy and carry chains that I will never use. Better safe than sorry.
Nevertheless, screeners have never asked me if I am carrying chains obviously. I have been through chain screening at least 100 times.
