Trucking Laws · Washington · October 29, 2026

Truckers in Washington Must Carry Tire Chains on Listed Routes From Nov. 1 Through April 1

By Big Rig Daily Staff · Updated Oct 31, 2026, 4:59 a.m. PT

Update, 4:59 a.m. PT Oct. 31, 2026: Corrected the route table to match WAC 204-24-050(2)(i). The first SR-97 segment now ends at the junction with SR-2, SR-14 now ends at MP 108.40 at Cliffs Road, the second SR-97 segment now starts at the Columbia River (MP 0.00), and the SR-20 Newhalem to Winthrop segment was added.

Update, 8:13 a.m. PT Oct. 29, 2026: Replaced the route list with a table that follows WSDOT's own route list, including the SR-97, SR-14 and SR-970 segments.

Truckers traveling through Washington State need to have tire chains on board starting Nov. 1. From Nov. 1 through April 1, vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight must carry tire chains at all times on a list of routes in the state, regardless of road conditions or advisories, according to CDL Life, which quoted the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Routes where chains must be carried

The routes are set in WAC 204-24-050, section (2)(i), and WSDOT lists them on its chain requirements page for vehicles over 10,000 pounds. The table uses the WAC wording and keeps the order on WSDOT's page (checked Oct. 31, 2026). MP means milepost.

WSDOT's page words some segments differently. It lists the first SR-97 segment as MP 145 to "Junction" without naming SR-2, starts the second SR-97 segment at the SR-14 junction (MP 4), ends SR-14 at Junction 97 (MP 102), and does not list the SR-20 Newhalem to Winthrop segment. Check WSDOT's page before a trip in case the list changes.

What the chains must be

CDL Life and WSDOT list these requirements:

• Chains must be two-sided, not plastic, and made with sufficient hardened metal.
• All vehicles over 10,000 pounds must carry at least two extra tire chains.
• At least one cross-chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times.
• The Washington State Patrol may approve other devices as chains, but they must perform like regular chains. Cable chains are allowed.

Local deliveries

"You don't need chains for local deliveries if you stay outside the chain-required areas and don't cross a mountain pass," the Washington State Department of Transportation said. It added that WSDOT or the Washington State Patrol may stop vehicles without chains from going into areas where chains are required.

Quick facts

• Dates: Nov. 1 through April 1.
• Who: vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
• Rule: carry chains at all times on the listed routes, regardless of conditions.
• Number: at least two extra chains.

Big Rig Daily has a guide to truck chain laws by state, and you can check other rules with the truck laws by state tool. Planning a stop? See the Washington truck stop and weigh station map.

A question for readers

What is your best tip for putting chains on quickly when the weather turns?

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