4/4/08-Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed a bill into law Tuesday, April 1, that implements a chain-up law. It took effect immediately.
The new law, previously S1379, applies to large trucks along stretches of two roadways: Lookout and Fourth of July passes on Interstate 90, and Lolo Pass on state Highway 12.
When state highway officials determine that conditions merit traction devices, trucks will be required to place chains on at least one tire on each side of one drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles. Chains also will be mandatory on one axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle.
The Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement are required to post signs alerting truckers about the requirements.
The rule does not apply to local logging trucks and other local trucks that fall into a category already exempt from certain trucking regulations.

3/28/08-The Senate and House have unanimously approved a bill that would implement the first chain-up law. It now moves to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s desk.
Sponsored by Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Post Falls, S1379 would apply to large trucks along stretches of two roadways: Lookout and Fourth of July passes on Interstate 90, and Lolo Pass on state Highway 12.
When state highway officials determine that conditions merit traction devices, trucks would be required to place chains on at least one tire on each side of one drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles. Chains also would be mandatory on one axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle.
The Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement would be required to post signs alerting truckers about the requirements.
The proposed rule would not apply to local logging trucks and other local trucks that fall into a category already exempt from certain trucking regulations.
For bill status, call (208) 334-3175. In Idaho, call 1-800-626-0471.

3/13/08-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would implement the state’s first chain-up law. The measure now moves to the House.
Sponsored by Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Post Falls, S1379 would apply to large trucks along stretches of two roadways: Lookout and Fourth of July passes on Interstate 90, and Lolo Pass on state Highway 12.
When state highway officials determine that conditions merit traction devices, trucks would be required to place chains on at least one tire on each side of one drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles. Chains also would be mandatory on one axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle.
The proposed rule would not apply to local logging trucks and other local trucks that fall into a category already exempt from certain trucking regulations.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (208) 334-3175. In Idaho, call 1-800-626-0471.

2/28/08-The Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill that would implement the state’s first chain-up law.
Sponsored by Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Post Falls, S1379 would apply to large trucks along stretches of two roadways. The affected roadways are Lookout and Fourth of July passes on Interstate 90, and on Lolo Pass on state Highway 12.
Trucks would be required to place chains on at least one tire on each side of one drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles. Chains also would be mandatory on one axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle.
The proposed rule would not apply to local logging trucks and other local trucks that fall into a category already exempt from certain trucking regulations.
The bill is awaiting final consideration before the full Senate. If approved there, it would move to the House.
For bill status, call (208) 334-3175. In Idaho, call 1-800-626-0471.