Snow-covered roads can be a major threat to drivers of any type of vehicle. But semi-trailer operators spend a large portion of their time on the road, subjecting them to the worst of the winter’s effects on highways and backroads. It’s important to stay safe, which is why many drivers use tire chains in Utah and other states prone to heavy snows. But do you know the laws and regulations surrounding snow chains in Utah?
Utah’s Tire Chain Laws
Utah, like other states, has specific laws citing the usage of snow tires or tire chains during the winter periods of the year. However, due to the specific nature of Utah’s laws, they can be difficult for newer semi-trailer operators to understand. The most important thing to know is that in certain areas, it’s required to have tire chains for vehicles with four drive wheels or more.
According to Utah statue UCA 41-6a-1636, all drivers must use steel link or cable chains on their tires or use snow tires with an M+S rating during severe winter weather. If you fail to abide by this law, you can find yourself paying up to $1,000 in fines, or even up to six months in jail!
The laws are different for every type of vehicle. If you’re operating a truck for snow plowing, you only need to have two of your tires prepped for winter. Even if your vehicle is all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. However, it’s far safer to chain all your tires versus just the drive tires. Winter weather isn’t the time to limit yourself to just the minimum legal obligation!
Any commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels are required to have chains. There are also some high-traffic highways in Utah that require them.
Tips for Using Snow Tire Chains
You Still Need to Drive Slowly
Tire chains aren’t a miracle for snow driving. While they will help you maneuver on snowy roads, they won’t prevent you from every slip. It goes without saying that a driver should take winter road safety seriously, so don’t overestimate the effect of your tire chains.
Durability is also a concern for you and your organization. Tire chains are designed to handle rugged conditions, but at high-speeds, the chains can suffer catastrophic damage from the impact of the road. If you’re traveling over roads that necessitate snow chains in the first place, stay under the recommended speed of your chain’s manufacturer. Typically, this isn’t much faster than 30 or 40 miles per hour.
Take Off Your Tire Chains on Clear Roads
While you may have heard about the damage snow chains can do to dry roads, you many not be aware that dry roads can do damage to your chains as well! Pay attention to the roads and keep an eye open for clear stretches of road.
Driving on these roads with your tire chains is a sure-fire way to destroy the chains. You’ll be left with the cost of replacing them, as well as being stuck on the road without chains for your vehicle. Roadside repairs are inevitable, but you should still do everything in your power to avoid them.
Inspect Them Regularly
Tire chains take quite a beating every time you use them. The more you drive, the more likely it is that they’ve worn down too far for safety. If your tire chains fail while you’re on the road, you may not even notice until you lose enough traction to cause an accident.
Whenever you use snow chains, take any opportunity you can to stop and inspect them. Just a few minutes spent looking over your chains every stop can be the difference between staying on schedule and getting stuck on the side of the road.
During your inspection, keep an eye out for any potential issues with your trailer. You can always contact us for prompt semi-trailer service!
Know the State Regulations Before You Go
If you travel locally, you’ll only need to know the tire chain laws in Utah. But if you’re a long-haul trucker, it’s important that you understand your obligations wherever you go. The last thing you need is to suffer heavy fines or even time lost in a traffic stop due to a misunderstanding.
In the past, this may have been a huge annoyance. But modern technology makes it easy enough to learn common traffic laws of any state. Most states have very active websites for their Department of Transportation, allowing you to get your information in just a few clicks. There’s no excuse to drive over a border without knowing the legal requirements for semi-trailers!
Contact Semi Service for Trailer Parts & Accessories
Semi Service specializes in all types of trailer repairs, maintenance and sales. If you have questions or need a new or used semi-trailer, we can help!
Contact us online or give us a call at (801) 895-4419 to get started today!