Winter Tips

Division of Traffic Operations – Road Information – Winter Driving Tips

Before driving, check with the Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) 800.427.7623

Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The California Department of Transportation provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Please download and print our Operation Snowflake (I-5 Grapevine/Tejon Pass Closure) Winter Driving Guide Brochure updated March 2012 (.pdf format)

Before Heading for Snow Country:

• Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures.
• You may need to add concentrated windshield washer fluid to the windshield washer fluid reservoir to prevent an icy windshield. More information about this type of windshield washer fluid can be found on the California Air Resources Board web site.
• Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
  Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. You might want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
• Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial de-icer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free you car if it is “snowed in”, sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands.
• It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
• Weather conditions may warrant detouring traffic from the main roadway. It is strongly suggested that drivers always keep an updated map containing the areas of travel.
• If you have a cellular telephone, pre-load the Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) phone numbers for convenient, updated road conditions.
• Put an extra car key in you pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.

Driving Tips:

• Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter that other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
• Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
• Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
• Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
• When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

Chain Requirements:

• R1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
• R2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  (NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• R3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

Chain Controls:

• You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don’t. You will usually have about a mile between “Chains Required” signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.
• Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions.
• The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour.
• When you put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
• Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer’s badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
• When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading “End of Chain Control” to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.

Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN):

Caltrans officials urge you to check road conditions often. To help keep abreast of changing conditions, Caltrans operates the Caltrans Highway Information Network which motorists may telephone – 800.427.7623 – for up-to-the-minute information in California and Western Nevada (Lake Tahoe/Reno Area). The network is updated as conditions change, and is voice-activated for safety and convenience.

Before driving, check with the CHIN

800.427.7623