At least that's not as bad as the lady returning the Christmas poinsettias to Home Depot last week.
If you don't really expect to use the chains, how about some of those plastic tie wrap chains? Anybody used them? Do they get through chain controls? Might be excellent for a 4wd getting unstuck and meeting the "carry chains" requirement.
Eric
The caltrans may not let zip ties go through as chains. I remember they posted on Twitter this season saying this is not chains, so I think they are inclined to turn you around if they see those. Who knows, things change or maybe in a light conditions they will pass you and bad conditions they will turn you (R1.5? lol)
The Sock things i believe is a pass, but those are just as expensive if not more expensive as chains and are sized too and not generic.
Still ziptie things are OK idea if you are already awd/4wd and just looking for extra backup, but dont count on it to fulfill any particular requirement.
personally for my awd suv, i just got the beefy thule chains (real links) that have the easy on and off features. The idea is im going to own this vehicle this will be long term insurance, so the cost becomes negligible amortized over years, but if i get into trouble, Im going to need the most traction(which is why not zipties or socks), and the easiest on and off.
if for a rental car that im giving back after 1 week, obv the calculations all gonna be different.