Bill No.: HB0085                  Drafter:  DKG

 

LSO No.:  09LSO-0361              Effective Date:  7/1/2009

 

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0107

 

Chapter No.:       210

 

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Blake

 

Catch Title:       Motor vehicle chain law.

 

Subject:  Motor vehicles

 

Summary/Major Elements:

 

The act amends the existing law regarding requirements to use chains during adverse weather conditions. The act:

 

·         Allows the director of the department of transportation to restrict travel to only necessary emergency vehicles, vehicles utilizing adequate snow tires or tire chains and all-wheel drive motor vehicles.

 

·         Allows the director of the department of transportation to further restrict travel on roadways during extremely hazardous conditions to only necessary emergency vehicles, vehicles using tire chains and all-wheel drive vehicles utilizing snow tires with mud and snow or all-weather ratings and tread depths adequate to provide sufficient traction.

 

·         Establishes that travel restrictions are effective when signs giving notice are erected upon the restricted portion of the highway.

 

·         Requires drivers of commercial vehicles to affix chains to at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle.

 

·         Defines what is an adequate tire chain.

 

·         Provides penalties for persons not complying with the act, including higher fines if noncompliance leads to an incident which causes a lane of traffic to be closed.