Map Options

Map Type:
Download SVG:
map placeholder
Allowed when required
32
Specific guidelines
15
No tire chain law
3

Tire Chain Laws by State 2024

Tire Chain Laws by State 2024

Tire chain laws vary across states in the United States, with regulations dictating when and where tire chains are permitted or required for vehicles. While some states allow tire chains under specific guidelines or when required by weather conditions, others have no tire chain laws at all.

In states like California and Nevada, tire chains are only allowed when signs are posted indicating that they are required. Similarly, Colorado mandates tire chains for commercial vehicles and trucks from September 1 through May 31, highlighting the importance of snow preparedness in mountainous regions.

Conversely, states like Florida and Hawaii have no tire chain laws due to their warmer climates and minimal snowfall. However, in states like Alaska and Montana, tire chains are permitted during specific times of the year or when snow conditions necessitate their use.

It's important for drivers to familiarize themselves with tire chain laws in the states they plan to travel through, as failure to comply with regulations can result in fines or penalties. By understanding and adhering to tire chain laws, motorists can ensure their safety and the safety of others during winter driving conditions.

Tire Chain Laws by State 2024

50 states

State
Tire Chain Law
Tire Chain Specific Guidlines
AlaskaSpecific guidelines
  • Not Permitted: May 1 through September 15 when north of 60 North Latitude.
  • April 15 through September 30 when south of 60 North Latitude.
  • If you are operating a vehicle on Sterling Highway from May 1 through September 15.
  • Special permit needed for using chains in one of these zones.
CaliforniaSpecific guidelines
  • Only when signs ware posted that chains are required.
  • These signs will also include the type of requirement, which will include one of the following:
  • R1 – Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
  • R2 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  • R3 – Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
ColoradoSpecific guidelines
  • From September 1 through May 31 commercial vehicles and trucks must have chains.
  • Colorado has two different types of chain laws:
  • Level 1 – Single-axle combination commercial vehicles must chain up. Trucks must have all four drive tires in chains. When level 1 is in effect, all other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains.
  • Level 2 – When level 2 is in effect, all commercial vehicles are required to chain up the four drive tires.
ConnecticutSpecific guidelines
  • From Nov. 15 through April 30 chains are permitted.
IdahoSpecific guidelines
  • Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 30. Chains are allowed as needed and required on some mountain passes.
KentuckySpecific guidelines
  • Not allowed unless the road is ice-covered or vehicle has an ice shoe at least 6 in wide.
MassachusettsSpecific guidelines
  • Permitted from Nov 1-May 1.
MontanaSpecific guidelines
  • Chains may be required when a chain-up sign is posted.
  • Vehicles are required to carry tire chains October 1 to April 1 when indicated.
NevadaSpecific guidelines
  • Required on all vehicles over 10,000 lbs when requirements in effect.
  • Studded tires permitted between Oct 1-April 30.
OhioSpecific guidelines
  • Studded tires allowed between November 1 and April 15.
  • Tire chains are not allowed.
OregonSpecific guidelines
  • Signs indicate when carrying chains is mandatory and when their use is required.
  • Six chains must be available to comply with Oregon regulations.
  • Tire chains are permitted when necessary for safety during snow, ice, or other conditions that may result in slippery highways.
UtahSpecific guidelines
  • Allowed during October 1 and April 30, when posted or when road conditions warrant it.
  • An operator of a commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels, other than a bus, shall affix tire chains to at least four of the drive-wheel tires.
VermontSpecific guidelines
  • Required in certain areas when posted.
  • Vehicles with semi trailers or trailers that have a tandem-drive axle towing a trailer shall have chains:
  • - On two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and
  • - On one tire of the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer.
WashingtonSpecific guidelines
  • Vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVW must carry at least two extra chains and ensure that their chains consist of hardened metal cross chains, excluding plastic.
  • From November 1 to April 1, sufficient tire chains are required on specific routes, and authorities may restrict vehicle access to traction control areas for safety.
WyomingSpecific guidelines
  • Signs will be posted indicating when chain laws are in effect, and must use adequate snow tires or chains.
  • Wyoming's chain law has two levels of restrictions for hazardous conditions:
  • Level 1 allows travel for vehicles with tire chains, adequate snow tires, or all-wheel-drive;
  • Level 2 requires tire chains or all-wheel-drive with appropriate tires, and commercial vehicles must have chains on two drive wheels on the same axle.
FloridaNo tire chain law
HawaiiNo tire chain law
New HampshireNo tire chain law
AlabamaAllowed when required
ArizonaAllowed when required
ArkansasAllowed when required
DelawareAllowed when required
  • Chains are allowed when needed from October 15 to April 15.
GeorgiaAllowed when required
  • Tire chains required when posted on signage.
IllinoisAllowed when required
IndianaAllowed when required
IowaAllowed when required
KansasAllowed when required
LouisianaAllowed when required
MaineAllowed when required
  • Studs, wires and spikes are prohibited from May 1 to October 1.
MarylandAllowed when required
  • Not allowed on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
MichiganAllowed when required
  • If chains are used, they must not come in direct contact with the roads surface.
MinnesotaAllowed when required
MississippiAllowed when required
MissouriAllowed when required
  • Not permitted April 1 to November 1.
NebraskaAllowed when required
New JerseyAllowed when required
New MexicoAllowed when required
New YorkAllowed when required
  • Allowed when required October 16 to April 30.
North CarolinaAllowed when required
North DakotaAllowed when required
  • Studded tires allowed between October 15 and April 15.
OklahomaAllowed when required
PennsylvaniaAllowed when required
Rhode IslandAllowed when required
South CarolinaAllowed when required
South DakotaAllowed when required
  • Signs will alert truckers about any restrictions.
TennesseeAllowed when required
TexasAllowed when required
VirginiaAllowed when required
West VirginiaAllowed when required
  • Chains mustn't come in direct contact with the road surface.
WisconsinAllowed when required
  • Chains mustn't come in direct contact with the road surface.
  1. Tire Chain Laws by State - NHH Services
  2. Tire Chain Laws - Tire Chains R Us
  3. Tire Chain Laws - The Trucker
  4. Tire Chain Laws By State - ATS

Sources