Alaska Tire Chain Laws
Alaska has no posted chain-up mandate for trucks. Chains are optional, and you run them by judgment in the winter season. The law runs the other way. Studs and chains are banned on paved roads roughly 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. Watch Thompson Pass and the Seward, Sterling, and Richardson Highways. Check Alaska 511 for conditions.
How Alaska handles chains
Alaska has no posted chain-up mandate for trucks. Chains are optional, and you run them by judgment in the winter season. The law runs the other way. Studs and chains are banned on paved roads roughly 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. Watch Thompson Pass and the Seward, Sterling, and Richardson Highways. Check Alaska 511 for conditions.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: Chains are optional. There is no posted chain-up mandate for commercial vehicles. Alaska instead 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).
- Where: No mandate anywhere. 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 CMV chain mandate. The seasonal ban on studs and chains applies to all vehicles. Commercial rigs run chains by their own judgment in the winter season.
- Chains vs traction devices: 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. No device is mandated.
- Check the live order: Alaska 511 (511.alaska.gov) for road and weather conditions and any closures in effect right now.
- Fine: No chain-up fine, because there is no chain-up mandate. Using studs or chains on a paved road out of season without a permit is a violation under AS 28.35.155.
Alaska Chain Law FAQ
Does Alaska have a tire chain law?
When are chains required in Alaska?
Where do Alaska's chain requirements apply?
Does Alaska accept AutoSock or alternative traction devices?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://dot.alaska.gov/gen_travelinfo.shtml. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Alaska
Check Alaska before you roll
Live weather, closures, and pass conditions on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →