What is chain regulation?
Chain regulation is to “order tire chains to be installed” when road conditions deteriorate due to snow or a drop in temperature.
In the past, there was no problem as long as we used winter tires such as studless tires and snow tires to prevent slipping.In December 2018, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism partially revised the order regarding road signs, division lines and road markings, making it mandatory to install tire chains during chain regulations.
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Non-slip with/without chain regulation
Non-slip products that comply with chain regulations
If chain regulations are issued, you can drive in the restricted section by installing the following tire chains.
- metal tire chain
- non-metallic tire chain
- fabric tire chain
There are several types of tire chains, but the aboveThere are three main types: “metal type”, “non-metal type such as rubber and urethane”, and “fabric type”. If it is sold at an auto supply store, it can basically be used on roads under chain control.
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Non-slip products that cannot comply with chain regulations
Some may not be able to respond when chain regulations are issued.
- spray type tire chain
- studless tires only
The type that sprays chemicals with a spray cannot be used when the chain is regulated. Even with studless tires, you cannot drive without chains in sections where chains are regulated.
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Is it a violation to not follow chain regulations? What are the penalties?
What will happen if you run without any countermeasures when chain regulations are in place?
Regulations by prefecture are properly stipulated by law, so of courseRoad traffic law violationIt will become.There is no penalty for violation points, but a fine of 5,000 to 7,000 yen will be imposed.
In addition, if there is a police officer on the spot and you ignore this despite the instruction of the regulation,It will be “Violation of Highway National Highway Measures Order” or “Violation of Police Prohibition of Traffic”, and the violation score will be deducted by 2 points (no fine).There is also the possibility of “violation of safe driving obligations”.
Of course, if an accident occurs due to not taking measures when chain regulations are in place, the responsibility will also be questioned.In particularIn the event of a fatal accident, you may be charged with negligent driving resulting in death or injury (imprisonment with or without work for up to 7 years, or a fine of up to 1 million yen).
In addition to traffic restrictions, penalties are also being considered for sections where chains are mandatory.
When and where will chain regulation take place?
Regarding the case where chain regulation is carried out, it depends on the “target area” and “weather”. In addition to the “target areas” that are subject to regulation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, emergency orders may be issued due to “weather” such as heavy snow.
Roads that are permanently regulated during the winter season
Chain regulations are implemented by selecting “places where you can attach and detach tire chains” and “places where you can wait until the order to block traffic” is lifted, targeting areas that have been stranded or closed due to snow in the past.
During chain restrictions, the inspector installs it before entering the sectionconfirmation is madeTherefore, if you do not prepare tire chains, you will not be able to pass through that section.
Spot restrictions due to weather
In addition to the regulated areas, chain regulationsIt may be issued as a spot at the timing of a heavy snow emergency warning or an emergency announcement regarding snow.
If there is a possibility of an accident due to heavy snow or frozen roads, it is compulsory to install tire chains.
Even in cases where chains are regulated on general roads
Although you may not hear about it as much as on expressways, chains may be regulated on general roads in the same way as on expressways. Remember that this also requires the same response as for highways.
chain regulation sign
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
A new sign was installed in December 2018 due to chain regulations. A chain restriction sign means “no traffic for vehicles without tire chains” in the restricted section, and this is the sign with a tire mark.
[Highway/general road]Sections subject to chain regulation
The sections subject to chain regulation have been announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and it is expected that the number will continue to increase in the future. Target sections have been announced for general roads and expressways, so it is important to check from time to time.
highway
The following sections are covered on the expressway.
- Joshinetsu Expressway (route number E18), 24.5km section from Shinanomachi IC in Nagano Prefecture to Arai Parking Area in Niigata Prefecture (up line)
- Chuo Expressway (route number E20), 8.7 km section from Sutama IC in Yamanashi Prefecture to Nagasaka IC in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Chuo Expressway (route number E19), 9.6km section from Iida Yamamoto IC in Nagano Prefecture to Sonohara IC in Nagano Prefecture
- Hokuriku Expressway (route number E8), 17.8km section from Maruoka IC in Fukui Prefecture to Kaga IC in Ishikawa Prefecture
- Hokuriku Expressway (route number E8), 44.7km section between Kinomoto IC in Shiga Prefecture and Imajyo IC in Fukui Prefecture
- Yonago Expressway (route number E73), 33.3km section from Yubara IC in Okayama Prefecture to Kofu IC in Tottori Prefecture
- Hamada Expressway (route number E74), 26.6 km section from Hiroshima Prefecture Oasa IC to Shimane Prefecture Asahi IC
General (under the direct control of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) national highway
The regulated sections of general national highways (under the direct control of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) are as follows.
- Route 112 (Gassan Road), 15.2 km section from Tsukiyamazawa, Nishikawa-cho, Yamagata Prefecture to Tamugimata, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata Prefecture
- National Route 138 (Lake Yamanaka / Subashiri), 8.2 km section from Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture to Subashiri Otoguchi, Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Route 7 (Osudo – Kamiotori), 15.3km section from Osudo, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture to Kamiotori, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
- National Route 8 (Ishikawa Prefecture border to Sakai City), 3.2km area from Kumasaka, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture to Sasaoka, Awara City, Fukui Prefecture
- National Route 54 (Akana Pass), 2.5km section from Yokoya, Funocho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture to Kamiakana, Iinanmachi, Shimane Prefecture
- National Route 56 (Torisaka Pass), 7.0km section from Uwacho, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture to Kitatada, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture
Do I have to install studless tires?
Tire chains are basically attached to the driving wheels of the car,If it is FF (front wheel drive), it is installed on the front wheel, and if it is FR (rear wheel drive), it is installed on the rear wheel. In addition, in the case of four-wheel drive, it is necessary to install it on the front wheel or the rear wheel, whichever has the greater axle weight distribution.
In addition, it is strong against snowy roads and frozen roads.Even if you have studless tires, you must install tire chains during chain restrictions.It is important to remember that
If you install tire chains, it will be easier to drive on snowy or icy roads. You may want to wear tire chains even when chain restrictions are not in effect, as they will make your ride safer and more comfortable.
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Watch out for traffic jams and unexpected road closures in chain-restricted sections
If chain regulations are issued, you will not be able to drive in the first place if you do not wear tire chains.It is important to prepare tire chains in winter.
Currently, the sections that are subject to chain regulations are limited, but there may be roads other than the target section that are dangerous to drive under similar conditions.
In addition, chain regulations are issued according to weather and road conditions,Traffic jamThere are many possibilities that unexpected troubles will occur.In addition, when the weather gets too bad, the highway itselfRoad closedIt can also be.
Of course you can carry a chain,Be prepared for winter outings by taking all possible measures, such as keeping your car warm and having enough fuel.
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