The B.C. government is cracking down on commercial drivers who don’t chain up on the Coquihalla and other BC highways.
The new regulations will cover all commercial vehicles over 5,000 kilograms, compared to the previous mark of 27,000 kilograms.
Ministry of Transportation Executive Director for the Southern Interior Mike Lorimer says 33 of 35 extended closures on the Coquihalla last winter, involved commercial vehicles.
It was mainly due to either poorly installed chains or not using chains at all.
“It requires steel chains, so no longer can they use cable chains or something else,” Lorimer said. “They have to have proper steel chains.”
“At a base configuration, your bigger moving trucks, you have to chain up both tires. As you get to bigger configurations, there’s more chain up required. It really does depend on the configuration.”
Vehicles less than 11,794 kilograms – like buses or five-ton trucks – will have to use chains on a minimum of two tires, while those above 11,794 kilograms will have to chain up between two and six tires.
Lorimer also says an increase in fines from the current base level of $121 for not carrying or installing chains properly, is being considered.
At a Glance:
- Vehicles less than 11,794 kilograms – like buses or five-ton trucks – must use chains on a minimum of two tires and can use steel chains, cable chains, automatic chains, socks or wheel sanders, if not equipped with winter tires.
- Vehicles 11,794 kilograms or more must use steel chains, and the number of tires needing chains ranges from a minimum of two tires for vehicles without a trailer, to six tires on some larger and more-demanding configurations.