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As fall turns to winter, be prepared for snowfall by getting traction devices for your vehicle and familiarizing yourself with Washington County’s three snow zones.
The snow zones are located in areas with high elevations and steep slopes. They are on:
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175th Avenue, between Scholls Ferry and Rigert roads
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Barnes Road, 118th Avenue east to the County line, adjacent to a city of Portland snow zone
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Cornell Road, Cedar Hills Boulevard east to the County line
Snow zones are portions of roads where traction devices are required during severe weather. Signs at both ends of the snow zone read, “When Flashing, Chains or Snow Tires Required.” Flashing lights are turned on during severe weather to alert motorists of the requirement.
Traction devices limit crashes and improve safety when road conditions are icy, snowy and slick. Acceptable devices are chains, studded and winter tires, tire socks and tires marked with the “Mountain Snowflake”.
Some vehicles are exempt from the traction devices requirement under ORS 815.145.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office actively enforces the use of traction devices in snow zones. Not using traction devices in a snow zone is a violation which includes a citation. Law enforcement can issue citations when they when they see drivers disobeying traffic laws or driving unsafely. Drivers involved in crashes, or who abandon vehicles without traction devices, could also receive citations.
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