When most people think of California, they picture sunny beaches and easy-going weather conditions. But for those who know about California’s wide array of mountainous regions, traveling across California is more than just cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway.

From Donner Pass to the Grapevine on the eastern side of Death Valley, the beautiful winding roads can quickly turn to treacherous concrete stretches, especially when mountainsides cover them with ice and snow. So, if you plan on driving through California’s mountain regions, it’s essential to be prepared. In this article, we’ll go over some safe driving tips, precautions, and laws to ensure you and your family navigate through California’s mountain passes safely and legally.

How to Safely Navigate California Mountain Roads

Some of the most breathtaking mountain drives in California can also be the most harrowing. Going up or down a mountainside typically involves hairpin curves, drop-offs, and little or no guardrails. Here are some tips on how to safely travel California’s mountain landscape:

Plan for the unexpected: mountains are remote and unpredictable. A sudden storm, a mudslide, or a fallen tree can quickly change your plans, causing you to be stranded for hours. You can be prepared for the unexpected by packing food, water, warm clothing, tools, and a first-aid kit before you’re trip.
Have a paper map: this may sound like an archaic tool, but paper maps are an essential resource if you lose cell service and you no longer have a GPS telling you where to go. Knowing where certain landmarks are on a map can help you navigate yourself off a mountain if you get lost or lose service.
Check weather and road conditions: always check the latest weather forecasts to see if snow, sleet, or thunderstorms are expected. Knowing the weather can help you prepare or know if it’s unsafe to travel. Also, for winter storms, roads can suddenly become closed or extremely hazardous, so taking every precaution with something as unpredictable as the weather is recommended.
Equip your vehicle for mountainous travel: having the right equipment can make all the difference in the world when faced with a difficult situation on the road. Make sure your tires are off-road ready if for whatever reason, you need to go off-road to safely reach a destination, or drive over harsh conditions. Snow chains, or snow tires, are also a good idea if you’re expecting to go through winter conditions.
Drive cautiously and adjust your speed: traveling over steep and narrow roads requires extra caution. For mountainous driving, we recommend drivers slow down, shift into a lower gear when driving over snow, and avoid making any sudden movements, such as abrupt braking, accelerating, or steering.

Tire Chain Safety

According to the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), motorists are required to stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. In California, you can be cited by the California Highway Patrol if you proceed up a “chain-required” road without tire chains. Three levels of chain requirements include:

Requirement 1: chains are required to be on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks (trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight). Vehicles with snow tires must have chains. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
Requirement 2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
Requirement 3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles without exception.

Tire Chain Information for New Drivers

In California, motorists will usually have about a mile between “Chains Required signs and the checkpoint to install their chains. Drivers should always be on the lookout for these warnings as the roads can become dangerous before and after inclement weather hits. The following information may help new and experienced drivers when snow hits California’s mountainous roads:

Install checkpoints can change rapidly from place to place due to changing weather and road conditions.
When driving with chains, the speed limit is set at 25 to 30 MPH
Do not stop traffic to install tire chains. Wait until you are completely pulled off the road to begin putting on chains.
If you use the “chain installer” service, remember to get a receipt and jot the installer’s badge number on it. Chain installers are independent employees not associated with the California Department of Transportation. Having the badge number may help to clear up misunderstandings later.
Be sure to drive beyond the “End of Chain Control” signs before pulling to a safe area off the road to remove your chains.
The California Department of Transportation does not sell or recommend specific tire chain brands. Your best option is to check with your vehicle manufacturer for the best tire chains and traction devices for your vehicle.

Where are Chains Required in California?

When most people picture California, the last thing that comes to mind are snow-capped mountains, but the Golden State does receive its fair share of snow. According to the California Snow Report, the Golden State receives around 224 inches of snowfall per year. The areas where snowfall is most prevalent typically require tire chains. So, what parts of California require tire chains during the winter months?

Chains are most often required in the higher mountain passes of northern California. This includes:

Interstate 5 north of Redding, CA
Interstate 80 over Donner Pass, which sits between Sacramento and Reno
US HWY 50 over Echo Summit between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento

Although Southern California mostly consists of a desert climate, snowfall does occur in certain parts. Chains are most often required in the following areas:

State Route 58 near Tehachapi between Bakersfield and Mojave
Interstate 15 over Cajon Pass between Victorville and San Bernardino
Interstate 5 over Tejon Pass between Los Angeles and Bakersfield

How to Prevent Your Car From Overheating When Driving Through California Mountains

What most drivers don’t consider before leaving for a mountainous trek is that steep, mountainous roads may make your engine overheat. So, here are are some tips to keep your car from overheating while driving through California’s mountainous landscape:

If your car is struggling up a steep road, shift into a lower gear so that it can maintain a consistent speed.
Turn off your air conditioning and roll your windows down if you’re traveling up a steep grade. Running the AC puts an additional strain on your engine and may result in your vehicle overheating.
Allow your engine to cool down once it has made it up a difficult stretch of road. Allowing your car a chance to cool down for a few minutes could end up saving your engine in the long run.
If you sense your engine is overheating, then pull over and turn on your heat to its highest setting. This can help taper off some of the engine’s extra heat and keep it from being damaged.

What to Do After a Car Accident While Driving Through California Mountains

The steps you take after a car accident will be important to ensuring you and your passengers’ safety, as well as protecting your right to compensation if you decide to take legal action. Regardless of where you are in California’s mountain region, you would handle your car accident like any other vehicle accident. Here are the steps we recommend you take:

Ensure the safety of you and your passengers: Depending on the situation, this could mean moving your car to the side of the road, or if you are severely injured, it could mean remaining where you are until help arrives. Check yourself for burns, lacerations, or broken bones. Oftentimes, the adrenaline from an accident can mask the pain from major injuries.
Call the Police: The police will file an accident report and take down the names of everyone involved, as well as assign fault based on the evidence in front of them. A police report will serve as evidence if you need to back up your claims later.
Document the incident: Take photos or film the aftermath of the bus accident. Film yourself recounting the details of the incident and describing the pain you’re in. It is best to capture how the accident played out while the memory is still fresh in your mind.
Gather witness statements and driver information: Film or record witnesses willing to give a statement about the accident. Take down their names and phone numbers. Take a picture of the other driver’s license and license plate number. Take down the contact information. All of this information will help support your claim and assist your attorney in building your case if you end up taking legal action.
Do NOT admit fault: Don’t admit fault even if you feel you may have caused the accident. Allow the police to conduct their investigation and determine fault.
Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor or go to a hospital. Certain injuries can lie dormant and manifest themselves hours, or even days later.
Notify your insurance of the accident: Notifying your insurance of the accident is typically a part of any auto insurance policy. Failing to report an accident can result in a dismissal of your policy agreement, depending on the contract you signed with your insurance company.
Contact Maison Law: If you consult with one of our attorneys after a car accident in Fremont, we can manage your claim and ensure you are taking the proper legal actions to receive compensation and protect yourself from liability.

Am I Required to Exchange Information After a Car Accident?

Yes, according to California Vehicle Code 16025, motorists are legally required to provide information to other drivers. That information includes:

Driver’s full name and current address
Driver’s license number
Vehicle identification number
Driver’s address
Driver auto insurance name and policy number

California Law states this information as follows:

(a) Every driver involved in the accident shall, unless rendered incapable, exchange with any other driver or property owner involved in the accident and present at the scene, all of the following information:

(1) Driver’s name and current residence address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number, and current residence address of registered owner.

(2) Evidence of financial responsibility, as specified in Section 16020. If the financial responsibility of a person is a form of insurance, then that person shall supply the name and address of the insurance company and the number of the insurance policy.

(b) Any person failing to comply with all of the requirements of this section is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).

Contact Maison Law | California Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident while driving through any of California’s mountain ranges, Maison Law can help. Our team of experienced accident attorneys will aggressively pursue liable parties for the full extent of your damages. Even though we’ve helped thousands of injured victims receive a fair settlement after a car accident, we treat each client with a custom legal plan that best fits their situation. Get started today by contacting us for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Legal Safe Driving Guide for California Mountains