Winter Driving Safety
Driving through mountain regions in winter conditions requires planning and preparation to ensure your safety.
Firstly, avoid traveling during a storm, whether it be rain, snow, or heavy wind and fog. These are not favorable driving conditions and can be dangerous.
Is it imperative that you check road and weather conditions before you travel so you know if conditions are favorable or not. Even in sunny weather, you must carry the appropriate equipment like tire chains, snow shovel, kitty litter, and carpeting - should you need to install chains, dig out of a berm, or create traction.
Download the Caltrans Quickmaps app to follow road and traffic conditions and chain requirements.
Review our Winter Precautions and Planning page for info on making activity and lodging plans.
Tire Chain FAQs
When do I need chains?
You must stop and put on chains when CalTrans mandates it. Highway signs will indicate that chains are required. Checkpoints will not allow you to pass unless you abide by the mandate.
DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO INSTALL CHAINS. PULL OVER AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC.
You can be cited by California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't comply with chain requirements. Chain Restrictions are for your safety and that of others.
How do I find the right chains for my tires?
Check your vehicle owners manual and your tires for specifications on tire chains. It’s important to buy chains and traction devices that are the correct size for your tires. Chains that are too big will hit the body of your vehicle causing damage. Chains and traction devices that are too small won’t fit around the tire at all.
Driving with Chains
The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour.
DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO INSTALL CHAINS. PULL OVER AND OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC.
Once you leave the area under chain control, you may remove tire chains.
Where Can I Buy Chains?
Chains are sold at most auto supply shops, hardware stores, and some convenience stores. Call ahead to check what types of traction devices they carry. Most stores are final sale and do not rent chains.
Can studded tires and snow tires replace the need to carry/install chains?
No. Though studded tires are legal in California from Nov. 1 until Apr. 30 each year, studded tires are not considered tire traction devices and may not be used in lieu of chains.
Similarly, snow tires may not be used in lieu of chains.
My car rental company won’t let me put chains on. Am I excused from carrying/wearing chains?
No. Many car rental companies may not allow chains on their inventory for various reasons, however this does not excuse you from carrying them or installing them if Caltrans requires it. If you’re worried about snowy roads, rent an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle for your journey.
I have a 4-Wheel/All-Wheel vehicle and I’m towing a trailer. Do I need chains?
You need to use chains if you’re towing a trailer. If the trailer has brakes, you must have at least one axle chained.
Chain Control Levels
Chain control coding is as follows:
- W: No Restrictions - Watch for snow on pavement.
- R-1: Chains are required on all commercial vehicles (trucks or buses). All other vehicles (cars, pick-ups, vans, etc.) must have either snow tread tires or chains on the drive axle.
- R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tread tires. Four-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains in the vehicle.
- R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES - no exceptions.
Prepping to Drive
- IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS, YOU MUST CARRY TIRE CHAINS IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES FROM NOV 1 THROUGH APRIL
- Make sure you can see out of all windows of your vehicle.
- DO NOT POUR HOT WATER ON WINDOWS TO MELT ICE! Use an ice scraper and your window defroster.
- Carry a sturdy shovel and cat litter - or gravel - should you need to dig out of a berm or create traction on icy roads.
- Check road conditions before you drive and choose the route with the most favorable conditions.
- Make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.
- Carry emergency supplies like food, water, blankets, medication and a cell phone in case you become stranded.
- Caltrans crews work continuously to keep roadways clear. Please be patient and courteous while crews work.
- You can follow road conditions on Caltrans Quickmaps. Download the app to your device.
When You Need Chains
- Caltrans will determine if tire chains are required. Check chain requirements on Caltrans Quickmaps.
- R2 conditions require 2-wheel vehicles to wear chains. R3 conditions require ALL vehicles to wear chains. There are no exceptions.
- Caltrans checkpoints will not allow you to pass if you do not abide by chain requirements.
- DO NOT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY TO PUT CHAINS ON.
- You must install tire chains on the drive tires. Refer to your vehicle manual if you don't know which tires are your drive tires.
- The term 'tire chains' includes: metal link chains, tire cables, auto socks, and other tire traction devices approved by CalTrans for use in snowy/icy conditions.
- See Tire Chain FAQs
Driving in Icy/Snowy Conditions
- When driving during or shortly after a storm, expect delays.
- Slow down in icy/snowy/foggy conditions.
- Use your fog lights when driving in fog, rain, and snowstorms.
- Keep 3 car lengths from the vehicle in front of you. The distance needed to stop on ice is longer than normally needed.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including other drivers that may be losing control on the icy roadway.
- NEVER brake suddenly on ice – tap brakes lightly, on and off until you slow.
- Black ice can stay on roadways even in warmer conditions. Be careful when driving in shady areas and slow on approach.
- Reduce speed when approaching a turn. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
- If you skid, let off the accelerator until you feel your wheels regain traction – do not brake!
- As you regain traction, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. If you're still skidding, counter-steer and apply the gas lightly until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction.
- When driving uphill on an icy road, you need momentum. Slowing can cause you to slide backwards into traffic behind you.
- If you are nervous or inexperienced driving in winter conditions, avoid traveling and wait until conditions improve.
Local Conditions - Big Bear
Never travel into mountain regions without a clear plan for your route, the current road conditions, and the current weather conditions in the area. Poor weather in mountain regions can make road travel dangerous, particularly if you're not familiar with winter travel.
Click the link below to view Weather and Road conditions for Big Bear and the surrounding mountain areas. You'll also find a Snow Report for the ski resorts and Lake Conditions for summer recreation.
For current road conditions, call Big Bear Lake Visitors Center at 800-424-4232, Cal-Trans Road Conditions at 1-800-427-7623 or check the CalTrans Quick Map.
