3/19/09-Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed a bill into law that specifies how truck drivers in Wyoming must equip tires with chains. The new rule takes effect July 1.
State law now mandates that travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains or adequate snow tires when the superintendent or his authorized representative determine that travel is sufficiently hazardous due to snow, ice, or other conditions.
State lawmakers approved a change that modifies the rule to specifically address where truck drivers must install chains on their tires. Previously HB85, the new law also increases fines for drivers who do not put chains on their vehicles when it is required.
Tire chains must be installed to at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to be equipped with tire chains.
Violators would face up to $250 fines. If violations result in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions, fines would increase to as much as $750.

3/5/09-The Senate voted 16-14 to approve a bill that would increase fines for drivers who do not put chains on their vehicles when it is required.
Wyoming law now mandates that travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains or adequate snow tires when the superintendent or his authorized representative determine that travel is sufficiently hazardous due to snow, ice, or other conditions.
Sponsored by Rep. Stan Blake, D-Green River, HB85 now moves to Gov. Dave Freudenthal’s desk. The House already approved it.
The bill also would modify the rule to specifically address where truck drivers must install chains on their tires.
The bill specifies that tire chains must be installed to at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to be equipped with tire chains.
Violators would face up to $250 fines. If violations result in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions, fines would increase to as much as $750.
For bill status, call 307-777-6185.

2/13/09-The House unanimously approved a bill that would increase fines for drivers who do not put chains on their vehicles when it is required. It now moves to the Senate.
Wyoming law now mandates that travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains or adequate snow tires when the superintendent or his authorized representative determine that travel is sufficiently hazardous due to snow, ice, or other conditions.
Sponsored by Rep. Stan Blake, D-Green River, HB85 also would modify the rule to specifically address where truck drivers must install chains on their tires.
The bill specifies that tire chains must be installed to at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to be equipped with tire chains.
Violators would face up to $250 fines. If violations result in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions, fines would increase to as much as $750.
HB85 is in the Senate Highways and Military Affairs Committee.
For bill status, call 307-777-6185.

1/20/09-A bill in the Legislature’s Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee would increase fines for drivers who do not put chains on their vehicles when it is required.
Wyoming law now mandates that travel on highways may be restricted to all wheel drive vehicles or motor vehicles equipped with tire chains or adequate snow tires when the superintendent or his authorized representative determine that travel is sufficiently hazardous due to snow, ice, or other conditions.
Sponsored by Rep. Stan Blake, D-Green River, HB85 would modify the rule to specifically address where truck drivers must install chains on their tires.
The bill specifies that commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels with spacing of five feet or less between axles must install tire chains to at least two of the drive wheels at opposite ends of the same drive axle when the vehicle is required to be equipped with tire chains.
Violators would face up to $250 fines. If violations result in the closure of all lanes in one or both directions, fines would increase to as much as $750.
For bill status, call 307-777-6185.