Will I need snow chains to travel from South Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas in late January?
I'm planning a trip in which we'll rent a car in LA in late January, 2014, we will then go north and then to South Lake Tahoe. After a few days of skiing we plan to go down to Las Vegas.
Will I need snow chains in my car to do this last leg of the trip? All the rental car companies that I've seen doesn't allow snow chains to be installed in their cars.
If the snow chains are needed and I don't have them how much time can we be held in Tahoe because of this?
Best Answer
It is very possible that you will need chains.
In both California and Nevada, the state may impose "chain controls" when necessary, meaning that it is mandatory to use tire chains in the affected area. Typically this would only be during a snowstorm, and the control would be lifted when the snow stops and the roads are plowed. This would be most likely to affect the mountain passes surrounding Lake Tahoe, and possibly South Lake Tahoe itself and the vicinity. Here is more info from Caltrans and Nevada DOT.
In this case, it would be your decision whether to use chains in violation of your rental agreement, or to wait out the storm wherever you are. The Sierra Nevadas get a lot of snow and in principle a snowstorm could last several days.
On a similar note, you should definitely check on weather and road conditions before and during your trip. Some of the mountain highways in the Sierras are closed all winter.
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Do you need snow chain in South Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe Chain Requirements Requirement Level 2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel-drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (NOTE: Four-wheel/all-wheel-drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)How do I know if I need chains on my Tahoe?
Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Tahoe City to 4 miles east of Tahoe City (Placer County). Chains or snow tires are required from 4 miles east of Tahoe City to the Nevada State Line.Do you need snow chains on Highway 50?
Chains are required for all vehicles on I-80 and Highway 50 except those with four-wheel drive and snow tires.Does Nevada require snow chains?
NRS 484.643 requires the use of chains or snow tires on motor vehicles driven on any street or highway under icy or snowy conditions when the highway is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of chains or snow tires.Lake Tahoe Snow Driving Guide \u0026 Tips
More answers regarding will I need snow chains to travel from South Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas in late January?
Answer 2
You may need chains, it depends on the road conditions.
tahoeroads.info says whether chains are currently required in South Lake Tahoe (highway 50) and is updated in realtime.
Disclaimer: I created this website
Answer 3
I used to work at a rental yard in Ventura, California; 120+ miles away from the nearest snow; and we rented plenty of snow chains each winter. We included with each rental a bungee-type strap to hold the chains tight against the tire to prevent vehicle damage. Number one question from people renting: Do we get a discount if not needed? Answer. No; consider it insurance.
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