<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0kzCdm_1GqL0vvT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0kzCdm_1GqL0vvT00" width="1920" height="1080" ><figcaption>Chains hang from a semi-truck parked in Wenatchee on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. NCWLIFE photo/Brittney Steele</figcaption></figure>It’s that time of year again; carrying chains is now required over the mountain passes until spring. Washington State Patrol reminded semi-truck drivers of the change this week.“I just think so many times when we've seen Snoqualmie Pass completely closed for a truck collision," said Trooper Jeremy Weber. "Let's say it's Thanksgiving and you're on your way to Idaho to celebrate the holiday with your family, and you're going to be severely late because of this crash, that's one instance. But, you know, there's also the public safety aspect of it.”Washington state law requires snow chains to be carried by any driver looking to get over the mountain passes during the winter months. Chains give the vehicle more traction in the snow and help prevent crashes from happening.Drivers only need to put them on the tires when the passes call for that requirement, but until then, the chains must be stored in the car. When they are required, if a driver is caught without having them on, they risk a $500 fine from WSP.Weber said the worst crashes over the mountain passes in the winter usually involve a semi-truck. They take the longest to clean up as well and can be hard to get to.WSP held extra-emphasis patrols on Snoqualmie Pass Nov. 3 and 4 to make sure semi-truck drivers have their chains. There’s not enough snow on the ground yet where they’d need to have them on the tires, but they must be with the truck.Not having chains not only poses a safety risk to that driver and others, but Weber believes it also costs the state money when semi-trucks are involved in crashes on the passes.“We have to remember they’re hauling our goods right, stuff that we survive on. So there's a lot of commerce that goes up and down our interstates and state routes. Specifically, I-90 being an interstate,” explained Weber. “I used to know some figures that say once a semi truck is not moving and shows how much it cost per minute that those goods weren't getting delivered.”Weber said the main goal of these patrols is to educate the drivers and remind everyone it’s time to keep the chains on hand again in case they are needed.It’s not just about semi trucks either, those driving over the passes in personal or passenger cars also need to have chains. Weber said if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you don’t have to have them on your tires when chains are required, but you must still carry them in the car with you now, until April 1.“We're out there working the road, that's our life, that's our office, and we want to make sure we all get home safe and we want the public to go home safe as well,” Weber said.As winter weather gets closer, Weber wanted to remind all drivers of safe winter driving practices like slowing down for road conditions and keeping more distance between you and the car in front of you.He also said now is the time to pack a winter emergency kit in the car with water, food, a blanket, a flashlight and batteries and other essentials you may need if something happens while you’re traveling. The Washington State Department of Transportation has a lot of other advice and reminders about winter driving and safety on its website.You can check current and winter road conditions daily on WSDOT’s website and app with pass reports, travel maps and live cameras. </div></body>

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It’s that time of year again; carrying chains is now required over the mountain passes until spring. Washington State Patrol reminded semi-truck drivers of the change this week. “I just think so many times when we've seen Snoqualmie Pass completely closed for a truck collision," said Trooper Jeremy Weber....

Chain reminders with WSP as winter looms

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It’s that time of year again; carrying chains is now required over the mountain passes until spring. Washington State Patrol reminded semi-truck drivers of

Chain reminders with WSP as winter looms

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