By James Peters

New B.C. chain-up regs mean smaller trucks and buses will require chains during winter

Nov 28, 2018 | 12:44 PM

VICTORIA — The B.C. government has announced new chain-up regulations for commercial vehicles during winter conditions.

As of today, all vehicles weighing more than 5,000 kilograms will need to carry and use traction devices.

The smaller category of vehicles, such as buses or five-ton trucks, will require chains on at least two wheels during snow and ice.

A variety of different styles of chains are acceptable.

The larger category, with vehicles like transport trucks, must use steel chains.

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The number of tires requiring chains ranges from two on vehicles without trailers, to six tires on larger configurations.

In a news release, Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says 33 of 35 extended closures on the Coquihalla Highway last winter involved commercial trucks.

“In most cases this was due to truck drivers either poorly installing chains or not using them at all,” said Trevena.

The ministry says it realizes it is giving the trucking industry little notice in implementing the changes, and says it will “balance the need for safety and reliability with giving the industry time to adjust.”

For more detailed information on the new regulations, visit this site.

by James Peters

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New B.C. chain-up regs mean smaller trucks and buses will require chains during winter

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