(223) Donner Pass Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility

The term “tire traction devices,” as defined in Section 605 of the California Vehicle Code, has historically been associated with conventional, link-type tire chains and cable chains.  However, tire traction devices may also include alternative traction devices manufactured from nontraditional (e.g., textile or plastic) materials, which may appear different from conventional tire chains or cable chains.  For additional information on alternative traction devices manufactured from nontraditional materials please refer to Title 13, California Code of Regulations, Section 1074.

​Donner Pass C.V.E.F. is located approximately 14 miles east of the Donner Pass summit, while this may not seem geographically significant it makes a substantial difference in our weather patterns. What we may be experiencing here can differ greatly on the summit. When we need updates on weather and road conditions we call (800) 427-7623 or (916) 445-7623 or check online at http://www.dot.ca.gov/ and also for weather http://www.noaa.gov/. Additionally CalTrans Live Traffic Cameras may be found at: http://video.dot.ca.gov/  

​Registration trip permits are required prior to entering the State of California, failure to obtain and properly fill out a registration tri permit prior to entering the state, may subject the driver or company to citation. Registration trip permits can usually be purchased at the fuel desk of most truck stops in Sparks, Nevada and also in Fernley, Nevada.

For questions about approved model year trucks for transport in California please refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm

​For questions about approved reefer units please refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm

​For questions about idling laws please refer to the local municipal agency with jurisdiction or for general answers refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm

​For questions about low rolling resistance tires please refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm

At the conclusion of an inspection, drivers are typically provided a printed copy of a CHP 407F/343A, Driver/Vehicle Examination Report.  The CHP 407F/343A does not need to be returned to the California Highway Patrol or the Donner Pass CVEF.  Questions related to an inspection completed at the Donner Pass CVEF may be directed to (530)563-9550.

​California does not recognize any exemption for Auxiliary Power Units, the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds, this would include the weight from an APU.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determines and assesses CSA points.  Information related to CSA can be found by visiting https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

Inspections are not conducted by request. The North American Standard Inspection Program is not a periodic inspection program or a preventative maintenance program for motor carriers or drivers.

​Roadside rest areas are very poor places to stop during inclement weather to wait for a storm to clear. The California Department of Transportation primary responsibility for snow removal is the freeway system, as such snow can and does accumulate quickly. Stopping in the rest area you could quickly become snow bound in which case it could take hours to days before you would be able to leave.

A commercial vehicle is not allowed to bypass a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility (CVEF) unless the motor carrier is enrolled in an approved Electronic Bypass Management System.  Additionally, the vehicle is required to be equipped with an approved device to provide bypass signals, and the device must indicate the vehicle has been approved to continue without entering the CVEF prior to bypassing.  Drivers failing to enter an open CVEF without receiving a bypass signal may be cited for a violation of Section 2813 of the California Vehicle Code.

​California does not have a mandatory chain law except during inclement weather. It is highly advisable to carry chains between the dates of November 1, and April 30, as this period is the most likely to receive snow.

​Along Interstate 80 there are designated chain installation and removal areas located both eastbound and westbound at the following locations: Boca, Truckee, Donner Lake Interchange, Kingvale, Cisco, Nyack, Drum Forebay Road, Baxter, Alta, Colfax, and Applegate. There are signs at each of these locations that indicate they are for chain installation or removal. Stopping at a location not designated for chain installation or removal may subject the driver to citation and your vehicle may be towed. Additionally because these locations were designed for that purpose they can better accommodate vehicles for this purpose. Stopping in non-designated locations increases your risk of injury from traffic. Please ensure you are as far out of the roadway as possible for your improved safety and remain cognizant of traffic.

The implementation of chain control over Donner Summit is a decision made by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). CalTrans is also the agency responsible for determining Minimum or Maximum chain control.

Currently Minimum chains for commercial vehicles includes one full set of chains on a drive axle and another full set of chains on a trailer axle. The chains on the trailer may be placed on alternate axles but must be on opposite sides of the trailer.

Maximum chains for commercial vehicles requires one additional full set of chains on the additional drive axle so that there are four drive tires equipped with chains. The installation of chains on the trailer is identical for both Minimum and Maximum chain control.