From ODOT
Exemptions
In typical winter conditions, the following vehicles are completely or partially exempt from the chain law. However, in very bad winter road conditions all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used (this is known as a conditional road closure). A conditional road closure may occur on any of Oregon's highways and are frequent in the winter on Interstate 5 through the Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland:
Police vehicles, and fire vehicles, ambulances, and Department of Transportation highway maintenance vehicles when performing their duties.
A four-wheel or all-wheel drive passenger vehicle if all of the following statements are true:
It has an unloaded weight of 6,500 pounds or less;
It is operated to provide power to both the front and rear wheels;
It is carrying chains;
It has mud and snow, all-weather radial, or traction tires on all of its wheels;
It is not towing another vehicle or a trailer;
It is not being operated in a manner or under conditions that cause the vehicle to lose traction.
Utility company vehicles, such as water, power, or heat, when providing emergency response services.
A bus that is over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) due only to accessibility modifications for disabled persons is exempt from the chain requirements for vehicles rated over 10,000 GVW unless it is towing or being towed.
Motorcycles are exempt from the requirement to carry chains or traction tires and may not travel when chains or traction tires are required on all or certain vehicles.
note that the exemption for 4wd ONLY applies to vehicles with GVW under 6500lbs, However this seems to conflict with signage since sinage usually says over 10,000lbs.
and there are times where chains are required of all vehicles.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!
