I know the law says ALL vehicles need to carry chains in chain zones, but has anyone actually been checked for chains and/or had to use them on your subaru? I only ask because I'm headed up highway 88 for x-mas, which is notoriously worse when it comes to snow closures, than 80 or 99.

 

If you have AWD and have Snow Tires on, you don't need chains

 

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

"Requirement Two (R2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four wheel drive vehicles
with snow tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas)"

I am wondering if anyone has been checked because of this rule?

 

I think you answered your own question.

 

I've never been checked, and I live in the snow.

It is technically always a risk though, as they could give you a ticket for not carrying chains.

 

That's kind of weird that you can still get into trouble for not having chains even if you have AWD and M+S tires, I didn't know that

 

Yeah, you're still supposed to carry chains (or other traction control devices) in case you get stuck. Even with AWD and M+S tires.

 

Ahhh, what other kind of "traction control devices" are there? HAHA I live in Roseville, I barely know what snow is.

 

Chains, cables, spike spiders are examples of traction control devices.

There are three levels of chain control. the most extreme does require chains to be used on 4 wheel drive vehicles. But they usually close the road before it gets that bad.

I carry a set of chains cuz I'm a nancy boy like that.

 

it's not like chains are really that expensive anyway, it's always good to have a set on you just in case.

 

the owner manual says "don't not use chains" in it. that your tires are not designed for them.

 

in the mid-west, where they get a whole lot more snow then our little summit does, they don't even use chains. no one does. they just learn how to drive in it.

 

Thats what I've been saying all along.

Driver education > any amount of money you can throw at snow tires and traction control devices.

 

you could always get a set of these

 

I'm still waiting for these to become available to a heretic like myself.