Patrol to Enforce Chain Rules on Snoqualmie Pass
Washington State Patrol troopers will conduct a two-day emphasis patrol on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Trucks
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The Washington State Patrol will run a two-day chain compliance emphasis patrol over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3-4, 2026. The patrol focuses on educating commercial motor vehicle drivers about carrying snow traction devices during winter.
Why it matters
Commercial motor vehicles must carry chains during the winter season, and the patrol aims to gain compliance through education and enforcement. Clear rules help reduce hazards on mountain passes where snow and ice can quickly close lanes.
The emphasis patrol runs two days, while commercial drivers must carry chains from November 1 to April 1. The source does not provide the number of vehicles that were inspected or cited.
The players
Washington State Patrol
The Washington State Patrol is the state's primary law enforcement agency for highways and conducts traffic safety enforcement across Washington.
The details
Troopers will focus on educating and reinforcing the need for commercial drivers to carry snow traction devices. The Washington State Patrol will post results on social media after the emphasis is complete.
Timeline
November 1: The chain-carrying period for commercial motor vehicles begins.
November 3-4, 2026: Two-day chain compliance emphasis patrol on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.
April 1: The chain-carrying period for commercial motor vehicles ends.
Roadmap
The emphasis patrol applies Washington's existing chain-carrying requirements for commercial trucks on Snoqualmie Pass during the winter season. It reinforces rules that have long governed heavy-vehicle travel over the Cascade crossings on I-90.
Commercial drivers crossing Snoqualmie Pass should confirm they carry chains before the November 1 start of the chain-carrying period. Drivers of passenger cars and light trucks must also carry chains whenever WSDOT posts chain requirements, though all-wheel-drive vehicles may proceed without installing them.
The takeaway
Carrying chains before winter conditions arrive can prevent delays and hazards on Snoqualmie Pass. Checking WSDOT chain requirements before traveling helps drivers stay compliant.
What happens next
The emphasis patrol takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 3-4, 2026, over Snoqualmie Pass on I-90.
Further reading
For more on heavy-vehicle rules, see Trucks coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPQ News Radio.
Live Poll
Do you plan to carry snow chains when driving over mountain passes this winter?
