Chain Restrictions in Mammoth Lakes
From Town of Mammoth Lakes
Even though September has started out very very warm, colder temperatures and snow will be headed our way before we know it. Below is just a little reminder about chains and snow tires
Chain Controls
- You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Department or 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.
R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles under 6,000 pounds except those equipped with snow tires on the drive wheels. All vehicles over 6,000 pounds are required to place chains on the drive wheels.
R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives equipped with snow tires on all four wheels.
R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception. Please be aware that these designations are for the safety of all and are enforced by public safety officers including our local Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mono County Sheriff and the Highway Patrol.
The penalty for failure to observe the posted chain controls may include a citation and a severe fine. Remember to always carry chains and use them when required to do so.
Got Questions?
Call… do not try to stop or flag down the snow removal operators in their equipment as they are under instructions not to get out of their cabs while conducting snow removal operations. Instead, please call the Town of Mammoth Lakes:
- Todd Murphy, Maintenance Manager (760) 965-3681
- Haislip Hayes, Public Works Director (760) 965-3652
- Public Information Line (760) 965-3612
Call 800-427-ROAD for current chain control restrictions or road conditions, listen to KMMT 106.5, Sierra Wave 92.5 or KIBS 100.7 FM or look for chain control signs throughout town.
Article from Town of Mammoth Lakes | Image from Canva
