Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
What the Caltrans chain control levels mean, what to carry, and where to check I-80 and the forecast before you drive in a Sierra storm.
Get a free quote How it worksThese are the official places to check, and we link every one.
| What | Where to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Live chain controls, closures and cameras statewide | Caltrans QuickMap, quickmap.dot.ca.gov | Caltrans QuickMap |
| Text status for I-80 over Donner Summit | roads.dot.ca.gov, route 80 | Caltrans |
| Incline Village, Mt. Rose Highway and I-80 east | Nevada 511, nvroads.com | Nevada 511 (NVroads) |
| Forecasts, winter storm watches and warnings | National Weather Service Reno, weather.gov/rev | National Weather Service Reno |
| Winter parking | Truckee Town roads: none Nov. 1–Apr. 30. Placer County roads east of Emigrant Gap: none Nov. 1–May 1 | Town of Truckee, Placer County |
Caltrans posts chain controls by level. Here is what each one means, from Caltrans' own page.
Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 lb gross weight that have snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Those vehicles must still carry chains.
Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels. Those vehicles must carry traction devices in the chain control area.
Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. Caltrans: “A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed.”
Source: Caltrans.
Caltrans says 4WD and AWD drivers must still carry chains for one drive axle to enter a chain control area.
To count as snow tires, they need an M+S (or M/S) marking and at least 6/32-inch of tread, Caltrans says.
Studded tires are allowed from November 1 to April 30, but Caltrans says they are not traction devices.
Usually permitted for passenger cars and light trucks under virtually all conditions, Caltrans says, but not as effective as link-type chain under severe conditions at higher elevations.
Caltrans: always carry chains, and make sure they are the proper size for your tires. Practice putting them on before the storm.
Stay with your vehicle, and give snowplows plenty of room, Caltrans says.
Need chains, snow socks or a winter road kit? See the mountain driving and traction picks in the Ice Fighter shop. Check your tire size and your owner's manual first.
The Town of Truckee bans parking on Town roads and rights-of-way from November 1 to April 30 (TTMC 10.17.030), and Truckee Police may tow or ticket. The Town says parking behind the snow poles is not enough.
On Placer County roads east of Emigrant Gap, including North Lake Tahoe, Serene Lakes, Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows, parking is banned from November 1 to May 1. Fines are $150, $250 and $450 for the first, second and third or later offense.
Sources: Town of Truckee, Placer County. Conditions change with each storm; always check QuickMap and the National Weather Service before you go.
