Chains on 4x4?

The way I read it, when the chains required sign is posted, a vehicle with 4x4 and snow rated tires (M+S) are not required to stop and put on chains. However, the law also states that you must carry chains in the vehicle. The reason is that the WSP can require you to put on chains in certain instances. In addition, they want drivers to have them in case they get stuck. If someone has 4x4 and get stuck in the ditch or cause an accident and they don't have chains, they can write you a ticket.

Cool. I guess I won't dump the truck just yet then - but I probably should go get a set of chains "just in case." <br><br>So what is the deal with subies and chains? Do you need to put chains on the outbacks?

Don't say I didn't warn you Mjolner regarding even mentioning Subaru's . You have sealed your fate despite my dire warnings. &gt;

i've never chained my outback, never had an issue, but there are times that we all should've prolly cahined up, dont ya think?

Hey what's up with Subarus? I got a '93 legacy, bought chains for it in '93 and after 195,000mi, still have not taken them out of the box! Don't even have snow tires, just plain old all weather.<br><br>Hey Scotsman, was that what you were fearing!? Or will I now get dumped on big time?<br><br>Point me to the mean Subaru thread, I just can't pass that one up!<br><br>Alan

Three or four years ago, WSP was stopping everyone on Highway 2, around Scenic I think, and turning around all 4WD and AWD vehicles that weren't carrying chains.<br><br>When I bought my Outback in 2000, I called WSP specifically asking about the requirement to carry chains vs my owner's manual instructions to not put chains on my vehicle. WSP did not much care what my owner's manual said. They just reiterated the requirement to have chains in your vehicle where posted. After that bit of helpful advice, I did some research and bought SureGrip SuperZs, which are supposed to fit low-clearance wheelwells. Haven't used them yet, but at least I won't get turned around for not having them in the car.<br><br> I've always felt WSDOT does not do a very good job on our highways in winter. The cities do an even worse job on local streets. To paraphrase the movie, "when you're on Washington roads in winter, you're on you're own".