Siskyou summit area

Does anyone have experience in this area as to whether or not a 4-wheel drive truck can pass legally (and safely) without the use of chains, when chains are required?

In California often when chains are required a 4-wheel drive with snow tires only have to have chains in the vehicle and they don%26#39;t usually have to be actually on the tires.

I have driven over the summit a few times when it was snowing however chains were not required those times, so I am familiar with the road and the steepness etc. I am just looking for some input from those that have driven the summit in conditions that would normally require chains, because I will be going over the Siskyous the week of January 8th. I could go up the coast and branch over US 199 to get to Medford. I%26#39;m trying to decide which way to go if heavy snow is forecast. I%26#39;m coming from SF bay area to Medford.

Siskyou summit area

I took this from Tripcheck, ODOT%26#39;s travel website:

Exemptions

The following vehicles are 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%26#39;s highways and are frequent in the winter on Interstate 5 through the Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland:

Police vehicles, 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:

a) It has an unloaded weight of 6,500 pounds or less;

b) It is operated to provide power to both the front and rear wheels;

c) It is carrying chains;

d) It has mud and snow, all-weather radial, or traction tires on all of its wheels;

e) It is not towing another vehicle;

f) It is not being operated in a manner or under conditions that cause the vehicle to lose traction.

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.

Note: Although exempt, ODOT vehicles use mud and snow tires and chains in most winter situations. Studded tires are not used on ODOT vehicles because of the damage such tires cause to the highway.

Penalties

Drivers who disobey the signs requiring chains or traction tires are subject to a class C traffic infraction.

Additional Information

The information on use of chains and traction tires is based on Oregon Administrative Rule Chapter 734, Division 17.

~Den~

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