WILSON, Wyo. — Hey commuters, it looks like winter is coming and conditions on Teton Pass are changing. Every year when conditions become sufficiently hazardous due to snow and, ice the chain law will go into effect, determined by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Wyoming’s chain law exists to restrict travel as a safety precaution when dangerous conditions exist on the roadway. The law includes two levels of restrictions that are implemented on designated highway sections.
Level 1
When conditions become hazardous, travel can be restricted to:
- Vehicles equipped with tire chains
- Vehicles with adequate snow tires
- All-wheel-drive vehicles
Level 2
When conditions are extremely hazardous, travel can be restricted to:
- Vehicles equipped with tire chains
- All-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with adequate mud and snow or all-weather-rated tires.
At level 2, all commercial vehicles must have chains on at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle. Chains must be installed in designated chain areas.
Penalties for violations include a $250 fine for violating a travel restriction and $750 for a violation that results in a highway closure.
As winter approaches, drivers are encouraged to take necessary precautions to drive safely over the pass. WYDOT provides Teton Pass webcams so commuters can adequately prepare.
Drivers can check conditions and current chain law conditions for WY22 between Idaho and Wyoming here and can subscribe to WYDOT alerts here.
