SIERRA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — A semi-truck driver spent Christmas Eve stuck during a snowstorm in a very rural part of Sierra County after California Highway Patrol officials said the driver ignored “Road Closed” signs and followed GPS onto a closed roadway, prompting a response from a trooper to assist.

CHP said that on Dec. 24, 2025, a trooper with the CHP Grass Valley Division responded to a closed road in a “very rural area of Sierra County” to help a semi-truck driver who, according to CHP, “chose to ignore the signs and follow his GPS” during the storm.

^{Photo credit: CHP}

Troopers said the driver was fortunate to have warm clothes, food, water, plenty of fuel, and that help was on the way. CHP noted that the semi-truck driver was not the only person to become stuck in the snow near that location.

CHP Grass Valley used the incident to reinforce winter travel guidance, urging the public not to attempt to bypass chain control by using side roads, not to ignore “Road Closed” signs, and to trust their instincts if GPS routing appears incorrect. Troopers advised motorists to remain on main, maintained roadways and to postpone travel if they are not properly prepared for winter conditions.

CHP said more winter weather was forecast heading into the new year.

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