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Tire Chain Laws By State 

Tire chain laws are mandated on the state level. Tire chain laws dictate when you should, shouldn’t and must use tire chains. Many states allow chains when needed at the driver’s discretion, but some states restrict them depending on the time of year and type of chain. 

Using the incorrect type of chain or using chains that aren’t in accordance with these laws can subject you to fines. Chains can not only damage your truck and trailer; they can also damage the roads. This is why states have laws regarding their usage. 

Use the chart below for state-by-state guidance on when you’re required to carry chains in your truck, when you need to use them and when you shouldn’t use them. Failing to follow these laws can result in fines. 

For more updated information, refer to each state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) website.


State

Chain Law Summary

Alabama

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Alaska

Tire chain laws vary by location and time of year, check local laws. Special permits may be obtained to use chains in prohibited zones.

Arizona

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Arkansas

Allowed during certain times of year when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

California

Tire chain controls may be established in mountain areas. Follow posted signs along the highway. At least eight chains are needed to comply with regulations. 

Colorado

Drivers must carry tire chains in certain areas September 1 to May 31. To avoid fines, check local laws and use chains when required. 

Connecticut

Chains and studded tires may be used November 15 to April 30.

Delaware

Chains are allowed when needed from October 15 to April 15.  

Florida

No tire chain laws.

Georgia

Tire chains required when posted on signage. 

Hawaii

No tire chain laws.

Idaho

Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 30. Chains are allowed as needed and required on some mountain passes.

Illinois

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Indiana

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Iowa

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Kansas

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Kentucky

May not be used unless the road is ice-covered or the vehicle has an ice shoe at least 6 inches wide. Limit on diameter and spacing.

Louisiana

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Maine

Allowed when required during certain times of year due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Studs, wires and spikes are prohibited otherwise from May 1 to October 1. 

Maryland

Required when a snow emergency has been declared, but not allowed on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs.

Massachusetts

Permitted when necessary from November 1 to May 1.

Michigan

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Minnesota

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Mississippi

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Missouri

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Not permitted April 1 to November 1.

Montana

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.

Nebraska

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Nevada

Required on all vehicles over 10,000 pounds when posted. 

New Hampshire

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

New Jersey

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

New Mexico

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

New York

Allowed when required October 16 to April 30. 

North Carolina

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

North Dakota

Studded tires allowed between October 15 and April 15. Otherwise, tire chains are allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Ohio

Studded tires allowed between November 1 and April 15. Tire chains are not allowed.

Oklahoma

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Oregon

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Follow posted signs for usage requirements. 

Pennsylvania

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Rhode Island

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

South Carolina

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

South Dakota

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Tennessee

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Texas

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Utah

Allowed during October 1 and April 30, when posted or when road conditions warrant it. 

Vermont

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Required in certain areas when posted.

Virginia

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. 

Washington

Required on certain routes from November 1 to April 1.  Check local laws and use chains when required. 

West Virginia

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains mustn’t come in direct contact with the road surface.

Wisconsin

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains mustn’t come in direct contact with the road surface.

Wyoming

Allowed when required due to snow, rain or other poor weather conditions. Chains may be required in extreme weather conditions.

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