Wash. Admin. Code § 204-70-070 - Safety chains and attaching means required
(1) Every towed vehicle must be coupled to
the towing vehicle by means of two safety chains, cables, or wire ropes in
addition to the regular drawbar, tongue, or other connection which is certified
by its manufacturer as complying with SAE J684 revised July 2005.
(2) The means of attachment of safety chains
must:
(a) Be located equally distant from and
on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the towing vehicle and of
the trailer.
(b) Not be common
with or utilize fasteners common with a ball or coupling.
(3) No welding operation or repair, such as
cold shuts, will be performed on a safety chain subsequent to its manufacture,
including the direct welding of a safety chain link to the towed or towing
vehicles.
(4) Safety chains must:
(a) Be so connected that the slack for each
length of chain between trailer and towing vehicle is the same and is not more
than necessary to permit the proper turning of the vehicles.
(b) Be crossed in such a manner as to prevent
the tongue from dropping to the ground and to maintain connection in the event
of failure of the primary connecting system. See Figure 1.
(c) Be replaced immediately if they contain
cut, cracked, or excessively worn links, or frayed, stranded, or otherwise
defective wire rope.
(d) Not be
connected to the hitch ball or to a ball mount designed to be readily removable
when not in use.
Figure 1 - Typical double safety chain installation.
Click Here To View Image
Notes
Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.37.320. 80-03-069 (Order 80-02-2-70), § 204-70-070, filed 2/28/80.
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