SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — California Highway Patrol officers stopped an overlength tractor-trailer attempting to bypass chain control requirements during winter weather conditions on State Route 88.

On February 20, 2026, CHP’s South Lake Tahoe Division reported that officers intercepted what they described as a “chain runner” at SR-88 near Red Lake Creek.

“This overlength truck tractor/trailer tried to run chain control. No No No! CHP was there to stop this from becoming an even bigger hazard,” the agency stated.

The semi-truck required assistance from Silver State Towing of Northern Nevada to clear the situation.

Chain controls were in effect across multiple Sierra roadways as of 10:00 a.m. on February 20 due to snow and traction concerns.

Chain Control and Closures (as of 10:00 a.m., February 20, 2026)

SR-28
Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Tahoe City to the Nevada state line.

US-50
Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from nine miles east of Placerville to Meyers (El Dorado County).

I-80
Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Colfax (Placer County) to the Nevada state line.

SR-88
Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Pine Grove to Dew Drop (Amador County).
Chains required from five miles west of Picketts Junction to 3.5 miles east of Woodfords (Alpine County).

SR-89
Closed at Emerald Bay State Park (El Dorado County) due to snow. Motorists advised to use alternate routes.
Chains required from Picketts Junction (Alpine County) to 2.7 miles south of the junction of US-50 (El Dorado County) at Luther Pass.
Chains required from Bliss State Park (El Dorado County) to the junction of I-80 (Nevada County).

SR-267
Closed to all tractor-semitrailer combinations from south of Truckee to Kings Beach (Placer County) due to traction concerns.
Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels from Truckee (Nevada County) to Kings Beach (Placer County).

CHP reminded commercial drivers that attempting to bypass chain control requirements creates serious safety hazards during winter storms.

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