| Are cable chains allowed in California? | Are cable chains allowed in California? | <p>The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) does accept the use of cable chains in lieu of traditional tire chains, however when using cable chains they are required to be installed on four drive tires similar to the requirements for Maximum chains. Additionally, the cable chains must have the larger one-half inch cross link cables designed for heavier vehicles.</p> |
| Can I find out what the current weather conditions are going over Donner Summit? | Can I find out what the current weather conditions are going over Donner Summit? | <p>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 <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/">http://www.dot.ca.gov/</a> and also for weather <a href="http://www.noaa.gov/">http://www.noaa.gov/</a>. Additionally CalTrans Live Traffic Cameras may be found at: <a href="http://video.dot.ca.gov/">http://video.dot.ca.gov/</a> </p> |
| Can I obtain registration trip permits here? | Can I obtain registration trip permits here? | <p><span class="ms-rteStyle-Quote"></span>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.</p> |
| Can you answer questions about approved model year tractors for transport in California? | Can you answer questions about approved model year tractors for transport in California? | <p>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: <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm">http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm</a> </p> |
| Can you answer questions about approved reefer units? | Can you answer questions about approved reefer units? | <p>For questions about approved reefer units please refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm">http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm</a> </p> |
| Can you answer questions about idling laws? | Can you answer questions about idling laws? | <p>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: <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm">http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm</a> </p> |
| Can you answer questions about low rolling resistance tires? | Can you answer questions about low rolling resistance tires? | <p>For questions about low rolling resistance tires please refer to the California Air Resource Board by telephone at 866-634-3735 or online at: <a href="http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm">http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truckstop/truckstop.htm</a> </p> |
| Do I need to return the inspection forms? | Do I need to return the inspection forms? | <p>The completed CHP 407F/343A-Aspen inspection form is provided to the driver following the inspection for their and company records. Do not return this form to the California Highway Patrol or Donner Pass C.V.E.F. Questions regarding the completed inspection form may be answered by calling (530) 587-1242.</p> |
| Does California provide an allowance for the additional weight from an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)? | Does California provide an allowance for the additional weight from an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)? | <p>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.</p> |
| How are Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Points accumulated? | How are Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Points accumulated? | <p>CSA points are generated based upon the severity of the violations discovered and noted on the CHP 407F/343A-Aspen inspection form during the course of the inspection as determined by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. After completion of the inspection the inspection form is uploaded to their database and points are then assigned to the motor carrier and in many instances to the driver operating the vehicle during the inspection. Further questions about CSA points can be answered here: <a href="http://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/faqs.aspx">http://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/faqs.aspx</a>. </p> |
| How can I obtain a Re-Inspection or a Replacement Decal? | How can I obtain a Re-Inspection or a Replacement Decal? | <p>The issuance of a CVSA Decal to a vehicle is based solely on the condition of the vehicle. Once the level I inspection is completed and providing there were no critical item defects noted the issuance of a CVSA decal is appropriate. If defects are noted but repaired immediately at our facility a CVSA decal may be issued. If the vehicle leaves the facility without making the required repairs and returns at a later date or time than in order to qualify for a CVSA decal a complete new level I inspection is required without mechanical discrepancies to again qualify for a decal. </p><p>This policy also applies to vehicles requiring a new or replacement decal due to replacement of a damaged windshield, the vehicle will require a new level I inspection to qualify for the replacement decal.</p> |
| Is it permissible to stop in the Donner Summit Rest Area to wait for a storm to clear? | Is it permissible to stop in the Donner Summit Rest Area to wait for a storm to clear? | <p>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. </p> |
| May a commercial motor vehicle bypass the Facility due to traffic congestion entering from the freeway? | May a commercial motor vehicle bypass the Facility due to traffic congestion entering from the freeway? | <p>You may not bypass any Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility in the State of California except when equipped with a working PrePass Transponder that gives a green bypass compliance signal or when the facility is displaying a closed message at the entrance to the Facility. Drivers failing to enter an open Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility may be charged with violation of section 2813CVC a misdemeanor.</p> |
| What are the mandatory dates I must carry chains? | What are the mandatory dates I must carry chains? | <p>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. </p> |
| What factors influence an officer’s decision to issue a citation as Owners Responsibility? | What factors influence an officer’s decision to issue a citation as Owners Responsibility? | <p>Most violations will be charged to the driver when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the driver has knowledge of the violation and it is clearly within the responsibility of the driver. There are certain violations that may only be charged to the responsible company and in some cases the company can elect to take responsibility for specific violations such as weight, mechanical, loading, or registration. This information can be indicated by filling out a CHP 279 Request for Owner’s Responsibility which can be obtained by calling our office at (530) 587-1242.</p> |
| Where can I stop to install tire chains during inclement weather? | Where can I stop to install tire chains during inclement weather? | <p>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. </p> |
| Who makes the decision to implement chain control? | Who makes the decision to implement chain control? | <p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p> |
