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<span class="ev_code_RED">California Chain Law:
Types of Chain Controls
During the winter months motorists may encounter traction device controls in the mountain areas of California. When chain controls are established signs along side the road will be opened indicating the type of requirement. There are three requirements in California.

Requirement One (R1): Chains are required, snow tires are allowed.

Requirement Two (R2): Chains are required on all vehicles except four wheel drive vehicles
with snow tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas)

Requirement Three (R3): Chains are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.</span>

In addition, even though a 4x4 with great snow tires may get up a mountain, the downhill trip with well gripping snow tires on the front may cause the fronts to grip and spin the vehicle on its axis. This is due to the front peforming most of the stopping. (ABS may help.)
That is why, sometimes it is important to have chains on the rear of a 4x4 when going downhill. The rears will bite better than the front reducing the chances of the vehicle from spinning on its axis.