Idaho truck-chain measure passes

BOISE – A bill to require interstate truckers to use chains on their vehicles on three North Idaho road passes during snowy conditions has cleared the Legislature.

The House voted unanimously Wednesday to require large trucks to use chains on Fourth of July and Lookout passes on U.S. Interstate 90, as well as Lolo Pass on U.S. Highway 12 near the Montana border – when state highway officials conclude conditions merit the safety devices.

The Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement agencies would post signs letting truckers know of the new requirements.

Supporters say jackknifed tractor-trailers block both lanes of traffic and cause major tie-ups every winter.

The Senate has already passed the bill and it now goes to Gov. Butch Otter.