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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... Two wheels to freedom: Phoenix camp helps kids with disabilities learn to ride ... Rocker's old house vaults Williams into the spotlight ... Mail Tribune garners 11 first-place wins at ONPA ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Just follow the signs for winter driving rules Comment By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 19, 2014 at 12:01 AM By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 19, 2014 at 12:01 AM » Social News Would you folks please clarify the highway requirement: “Please carry chains or traction devices?” When the chain rule is in effect are studded tires legal? How about four-wheel traction tires? What exactly are “traction devices?” — Larry Smith, Jacksonville Larry, depending on the conditions, there are a number of signs or lighted messages that Oregon Department of Transportation could post, including the one you referenced above. Just remember, black text on a white sign means it is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation, said ODOT spokesman Gary Leaming. Traction tires, in all situations, refer to studded tires, retractable studded tires or any other tire, which the tire industry deems “suitable for use in severe snow conditions” and marks with a mountain-snowflake symbol. The snow zone signs will specify what is permissible — chains or traction tires — depending on the size of your vehicle and whether or not you are towing anything. For example, there’s one sign that reads, “Chains required, traction tires allowed on vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVW (gross vehicle weight).” Passenger vehicles with four- or all-wheel drive are typically exempt from the chain law but  are still required to carry chains. However, when conditions are really bad on the Siskiyou Summit, ODOT may require even drivers with four-wheel drive to chain up. “The idea is for drivers to have a level of personal responsibility,” Leaming said. Troopers are more likely to cite commercial truck drivers than the average driver for not carrying chains, said Oregon State Police Sgt. Jeff Allison. “But if chains are required either an ODOT worker or an OSP trooper will tell people to turn around if they don’t have chains,” he said. “It comes down to knowing your vehicle and the rubber on your vehicle," he added. Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them.   By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 19, 2014 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501