Does AWD need snow chains?

[APV]

My car is AWD with M+S tires. Is there a chance for a requirement to put chains on AWD while traveling in winter conditions? I've never needed snow chains or cables on my AWD Jeep. My impression was that M+S tires is sufficient for winter drive until I was told that chain control in Utah may require snow chains even for AWD. I know that AWD is ok with chain control in Tahoe but I am not sure about Utah.

[Dnele928]

In Cal, when snow conditions are judged to be severe enough, the CHP will REQUIRE chains - AWD or not. Indeed AWD helps significantly, but the CHP will stop everyone and either require you have chains with you or installed at the chain checkpoint.

[tommyfly]

better safe then sorry.

[2011redrider]

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

[APV]

In Cal, when snow conditions are judged to be severe enough, the CHP will REQUIRE chains - AWD or not. Indeed AWD helps significantly, but the CHP will stop everyone and either require you have chains with you or installed at the chain checkpoint.

I guess you are right. I just do not recall it happening to me in Tahoe area when I had 4x4 or AWD there in winter time. When road conditions were severe enough CHP asked to confirm that the vehicle is AWD or 4x4 and let go.

[APV]

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

the link answered all my questions. thank you.

[DennisCA]

If the snow conditions are that bad that you need snow chains for AWD vehicle, stay off the roads.

[Nate]

If the snow conditions are that bad that you need snow chains for AWD vehicle, stay off the roads.

This!!!!

Always had chains(even though I had 4WD) because sometimes they do check. However, I have never put them on.

[Intimid8tor]

It's pretty rare that they require chains on AWD. In my years of driving in the sierra's I don't remember having it happen. Usually, by the time it gets to that point, they just close the road.

[Sleighter]

Are you asking about Utah or CA?

[tpuig]

I asked this same question to a CHP years ago and he said that M+S tires on a 4wd is generally good enough. (depends on tread, ice on roads, etc) Although the law may say you need the chains, in all practicality the roads will get closed before it's enforced...

I just came back from Wyoming when the big cold storm hit in mid November. Took I-80 through NV, UT and up into WY and SD. Did not see one set of chains, and the roads were horribly icy...

[bishop2queen's6]

Driving up to Oregon back in the winter of 2008, CHP required me to put snow chains on when passing through Mt. Shasta on I-5 even though I was 4th and M+S All terrain tires.

Even though I knew I was fine with out them, and the chp said he knew, the law required otherwise.

[sdkevin]

but I am not sure about Utah.

Skip all the guessing and call Utah!

[Sleighter]

Utah doesn't typically require chains. I lived in Salt Lake for a few years and drove all around up there including park city without ever thinking about chains. The only state I've ever driven in that requires chains is CA. And of all the states I've been in we get the least and worst snow.

[toby]

AWD and M+S tires are not magic. Chains are warranted and for good reason, install one on the front tire and one on the rear tire opposite/caddy corner of each other if you don't want to run a full set.