Winter Driving & Tire Chains for Truckers

Snow and ice multiply stopping distances, and a heavy truck that starts to slide is very hard to recover. Winter driving skill is mostly about slowing down early, leaving room and knowing when to stop for the night. No load is worth a jackknife on a mountain pass.

• Truck drivers
• Bus drivers
• California
• Colorado
• Oregon
• Washington

Reading the road

• Black ice looks like wet pavement. Watch for spray from other vehicles: if it stops, the road may be icing.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze before the road.
• Shaded areas and dips stay icy longer.
• Ice building on your mirrors, antenna or the front of the trailer means the road may be icing too.
• Temperatures near freezing are often the slickest, because a thin layer of water sits on the ice.

Driving

• Slow down well below the speed limit, and leave much more following distance.
• Brake, accelerate and steer smoothly. Sudden moves cause skids.
• Use lower gears to keep traction, and be cautious with engine brakes on slick roads.
• Keep lights and reflectors clean so others can see you.
• Watch for snowplows and give them room; don’t pass them in the snow cloud.
• If conditions are beyond your ability, find a safe place to park. You have the right to refuse to drive in unsafe conditions. See Hours of Service for the adverse conditions exception.

Chain laws

Mountain states including California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and others have chain laws that require trucks to carry or put on chains when posted, sometimes on specific axles. Know the rules for every state on your route, carry the required chains, and practice putting them on before you need to.

Chaining up safely

• Use a designated chain-up area, well off the traffic lanes
• Set brakes, turn on flashers and set out warning triangles
• Wear hi-vis, gloves and boots with good grip
• Lay out chains, drive onto them slowly, then fasten and tighten
• Recheck tension after a short drive
• Keep speed low with chains on (often 25 to 30 mph or as posted)

Ice and snow on the truck

Sheets of ice flying off a trailer roof can kill drivers behind you, and several states fine truckers for it. Clear the roof where facilities exist, and never climb onto a trailer roof without fall protection.

Winter pre-trip

• Drain air tanks to prevent frozen lines
• Check antifreeze, winter fuel and fuel additives
• Wiper blades, washer fluid and defroster working
• Tires with good tread
• Emergency kit: warm clothes, blankets, food, water, flashlight, phone charger

See Cars & Everyday Driving for general winter driving, and Cold Stress.

Last updated: October 1, 2026