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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.
State | Tire Chain Law | Tire Chain Specific Guidlines |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Allowed when required | |
| Alaska | Specific Guidlines | Permited: May 1 through September 15 when north of 60 North Latitude. April 15 through September 30 when south of 60 North Latitude. For other zones special permit needed. |
| Arizona | Allowed when required | |
| Arkansas | Allowed when required | |
| California | Specific Guidlines | Only when signs ware posted that chains are required. |
| Colorado | Specific Guidlines | From September 1 through May 31 commercial vehicles and trucks must have chains. |
| Connecticut | Specific Guidlines | From Nov. 15 through April 30 chains are permitted. |
| Delaware | Allowed when required | |
| Florida | No Tire Chain Law | |
| Georgia | Allowed when required | |
| Hawaii | No Tire Chain Law | |
| Idaho | Specific Guidlines | Advised to avoid it unless necessary. |
| Illinois | Allowed when required | |
| Indiana | Allowed when required | |
| Iowa | Allowed when required | |
| Kansas | Allowed when required | |
| Kentucky | Specific Guidlines | Not allowed unless the road is ice-covered or vehicle has an ice shoe at least 6 in wide. |
| Louisiana | Allowed when required | |
| Maine | Allowed when required | |
| Maryland | Allowed when required | Not allowed on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs. |
| Massachusetts | Specific Guidlines | Permitted from Nov 1-May 1. |
| Michigan | Allowed when required | |
| Minnesota | Allowed when required | |
| Mississippi | Allowed when required | |
| Missouri | No Tire Chain Law | |
| Montana | Specific Guidlines | From Octobr 1st to May 1st permited; and if notices are posted. |
| Nebraska | Allowed when required | |
| Nevada | Specific Guidlines | Required on all vehicles over 10,000 lbs when requirements in effect. Studded tires permitted between Oct 1-April 30. |
| New Hampshire | No Tire Chain Law | |
| New Jersey | Allowed when required | |
| New Mexico | Allowed when required | |
| New York | Specific Guidlines | Required when a snow emergency has been declared. |
| North Carolina | Allowed when required | |
| North Dakota | Allowed when required | |
| Ohio | Specific Guidlines | Permited from November 1st to April 1st. |
| Oklahoma | Allowed when required | |
| Oregon | Specific Guidlines | Required on vehicles over 10,000 lbs when SNOW ZONE signs are posted. |
| Pennsylvania | Specific Guidlines | Permitted between Nov 1-April 15, restrictions on the size of tires or studs. |
| Rhode Island | Allowed when required | |
| South Carolina | Allowed when required | |
| South Dakota | Allowed when required | |
| Tennessee | Specific Guidlines | Permitted Oct 1-April 1, with specific regulations on the percentage of wire or other material that comes in contact with the road. |
| Texas | Allowed when required | |
| Utah | Specific Guidlines | Between Nov 1-March 31, if signs are posted, vehicles must have chains or snow tires. |
| Vermont | No Tire Chain Law | |
| Virginia | Allowed when required | |
| Washington | No Tire Chain Law | |
| West Virginia | Allowed when required | |
| Wisconsin | Allowed when required | |
| Wyoming | Specific Guidlines | Signs will be posted indicating when chain laws are in effect, and must use adequate snow tires or chains. |