Forum Discussion

Explorer III

Mar 21, 2015

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. the "chain up/winter tire lights are on.." or road checks are in place due to conditions...

It appears carrying & installing chains when required on non M+S or winter tires is sufficient.

Please correct if I have this wrong.

Thanks

Truck Campers

25 Replies

enblethen
Nomad
Mar 21, 2015
Yes, the last braking axle must have drag chains.
If you have four wheel drive, you must also carry chains during winter months.
donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 21, 2015
Dont forget drag chains if your towing!
enblethen
Nomad
Mar 21, 2015
If your vehicle is over 10,000 and chain up lights are on, you must chain up. In Washington, you must carry chains from Oct date through to April date.

WSDOT winter driving
ScottG
Nomad
Mar 21, 2015
Fargo, you are correct in your assumption.
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Mar 21, 2015
In CA we have R1 and R2 controls in the winter
R1 4wd with M+S (no chains required) and chains required on 2wd vehicles
R2 Chains required on all vehicles

90% of the time its only R1 in the mountains

so yes if you just carry chains you are good to go. My 19.5s are not M+S so I carry chains