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Winter driving in Washington State can present serious hazards — especially on mountain passes and rural highways where snow, ice, and steep grades are common. RCW 47.36.250 empowers transportation officials to protect motorists by requiring special tire equipment (like chains or traction devices) when road conditions become dangerous. This statute works in tandem with other vehicle equipment laws to promote safety during adverse weather conditions. 

What RCW 47.36.250 Covers

RCW 47.36.250 falls under Title 47 of the Revised Code of Washington, which governs public highways and transportation — specifically, traffic control devices and signs. 

When Special Tires or Chains May Be Required

Under this statute, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or its delegate may determine that unsafe roadway conditions require drivers to use:

  • Special tires
  • Tire chains
  • Other approved traction equipment

That requirement applies in addition to or beyond ordinary pneumatic rubber tires normally used on vehicles. 

How Requirements Are Established

The law gives WSDOT the authority to establish both recommendations and requirements for traction equipment based on conditions. Examples include:

  • Traction advisories where signs warn drivers that oversized or non‑equipped vehicles are prohibited.
  • Mandatory chain use for:
    • Vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
    • All vehicles (with exceptions for some all‑wheel‑drive vehicles) when conditions are particularly hazardous. 

The exact requirement depends on conditions and is indicated by signs or other traffic control devices placed along the roadway. 

Relation to Studded Tires and Other Rules

Any required equipment under RCW 47.36.250 must be approved by the Washington State Patrol under the authority given in RCW 46.37.420, which governs tire restrictions such as studded tire use. 

Importantly, the law states that signs requiring traction equipment:

  • Cannot prohibit studded tires between November 1 and April 1.
  • But when chains are required and no other traction device suffices, the requirement applies to all tires — including studded tires — if conditions demand it. 

This aligns with Washington’s broader approach to winter traction equipment: while studded tires are legal seasonally, chains may still be required when conditions are severe. 

Enforcement and Penalty

If drivers fail to obey a traction requirement indicated by signs under RCW 47.36.250:

  • It is a traffic infraction under Chapter 46.63 of the RCW.
  • The typical penalty is up to $500, including assessments. 

This enforcement mechanism helps ensure compliance during potentially life‑threatening winter conditions.

Practical Implications for Washington Drivers

Here’s how RCW 47.36.250 affects everyday driving:

🛣️ In Mountain and Winter Travel Areas

  • Watch for chain‑up advisories and requirements during snow and ice events.
  • When signs require chains or traction devices, all drivers must comply — even if their vehicle has snow tires or all‑wheel drive.

🚚 For Heavy or Oversized Vehicles

  • Trucks and vehicles over 10,000 GVW may face specific traction requirements beyond passenger cars.

🚨 Penalties for Non‑Compliance

  • Ignoring posted traction requirements can result in a traffic citation and fine, emphasizing the importance of following posted signs. 

Why This Law Matters

RCW 47.36.250 is about safety and prevention:

  • It helps reduce collisions and roadway incidents in hazardous conditions.
  • It gives transportation officials flexibility to respond to winter storms and dangerous road surfaces.
  • It clarifies that seasonal allowances (like studded tire windows) do not override mandatory chain requirementswhen extreme weather demands them.

This law supports a coordinated winter safety strategy with statutes like RCW 46.37.420, which governs tire equipment in general. 

Call to Action

If you’re unsure how winter traction laws apply to you — especially after a citation — Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for guidance on your legal matter.

Additional Resources