Alaska Tire Chain Laws

How Alaska handles chains

Alaska has no chain-control program for trucks, so chains are your call in winter. On paper DOT&PF can post a commissioner's chain order, and if you see a CHAINS REQUIRED sign you must obey it (13 AAC 03.005). No such order appears on DOT&PF or Alaska 511. Studs and chains are banned on paved roads May 1 to September 15 north of the 60th parallel and April 15 to September 30 south of it (AS 28.35.155), unless you hold a special traction permit. Anchorage bars studs until October 1. Check Alaska 511.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: No chain-control program runs in Alaska. On paper DOT&PF can post a commissioner's chain order, and chain signs may go up only after the commissioner or a designated representative certifies by order that vehicles without chains may not use the roadway (Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement Section 2B.106). No such order appears on DOT&PF or Alaska 511 pages, and there is no chain season or carry rule, so chains are otherwise optional in winter. Alaska also limits when studs and chains may be used, banning them on paved roads May 1 to September 15 north of 60 degrees N and April 15 to September 30 south of it (AS 28.35.155). On any paved part of the Sterling Highway the ban runs May 1 to September 15 at any latitude. When seasonal or weather conditions are unusual, the commissioner of public safety must add lawful periods by emergency order, as DPS did in 2024 to extend the removal deadline north of 60 degrees N.
• Where: No mandate anywhere in practice. A commissioner's chain order, if one were issued, would run from the CHAINS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES sign (R12-105) to the END CHAIN AREA sign (R12-107), or along the posted miles of a STUDS OR CHAINS REQUIRED NEXT XX MILES sign (R12-108). Voluntary traction most often helps on the Seward, Sterling, Richardson, and Glenn Highways, the Dalton Highway, and Thompson Pass on the Richardson.
• Applies to: No standing CMV chain or carry mandate. A posted CHAINS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES sign would bind cars and commercial trucks alike, and CMV drivers must obey it (13 AAC 03.005(a)). The seasonal ban on studs and chains applies to all vehicles. Otherwise commercial rigs run chains by their own judgment in the winter season.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains when a CHAINS REQUIRED sign is posted. The CHAINS REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES sign (R12-105) requires chains, and the STUDS OR CHAINS REQUIRED NEXT XX MILES sign (R12-108) accepts studded tires or chains. Snow or M+S tires alone satisfy neither (Alaska Traffic Manual Supplement Section 2B.106). Outside an order, metal or cable chains and studded tires are allowed in the winter season and banned on paved roads in summer without a special individual traction permit from the Department of Administration (AS 28.35.155(a)).
• Check the live order: Alaska 511 (511.alaska.gov) for road and weather conditions and any closures in effect right now.
• Fine: No chain-specific fine. Passing a posted CHAINS REQUIRED sign without chains is disobeying a traffic-control device. The Alaska Court System bail schedule sets $150 and 2 license points for a CMV driver (13 AAC 03.005(a)) and $100 and 2 points under the general rule (13 AAC 02.005(a)). Using studs or chains on a paved road out of season without a permit is a $50 correctable offense with 0 points (AS 28.35.155).

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