February 12, 2025
Southwest Washington – The Washington State Patrol wants drivers to protect themselves and their passengers while traveling over our state’s mountain passes. It only takes one unprepared commercial or passenger vehicle driver to result in hours-long road closures for all travelers.
To help ensure transported goods arrive to their destination safety and to reduce impact to the state’s economy, the Washington State Patrol will be conducting chain enforcement on or near mountain passes in Klickitat and Skamania counties. Preventing dangerous road conditions for commercial and passenger vehicle drivers associated with ignoring the chain law is top priority.
Troopers and law enforcement officers in both counties will be proactively conducting chain enforcement patrols in areas where commercial vehicles park, such as rest areas, designated chain-up areas, and safe areas along the roadway. Passenger vehicles will also be contacted in areas where roadway restrictions are in place. Passenger vehicles are required to have traction control devices, such as traction tires or chains, in designated areas.
For more information on chain requirements for commercial vehicles over 10,001 pounds, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-route-restrictions/commercial-vehicle-chain-requirements.
For more information on WSP chain requirements, WSDOT’s winter programs, car emergency kits, and ways to prepare your vehicle for winter, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
WSDOT also offers traffic and travel information on your mobile devices. Drivers can access popular traffic flow maps, mountain pass reports, and current travel times from mobile devices by visiting www.wsdot.wa.gov/small/.
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