Arizona Tire Chain Laws
Arizona posts chain and traction restrictions in real time, not on a fixed season. ADOT can require 'Chains or 4WD Required' when a storm hits, most often on I-17 toward Flagstaff, I-40 near Flagstaff, and SR-87 and SR-260. State law only permits chains of reasonable proportions for safety (ARS 28-958). There is no standing commercial chain mandate. A violation is a civil traffic offense, roughly one hundred sixty dollars before surcharges. Check az511.gov before you climb.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm with the state DOT before you rely on it.
How Arizona handles chains
Arizona posts chain and traction restrictions in real time, not on a fixed season. ADOT can require 'Chains or 4WD Required' when a storm hits, most often on I-17 toward Flagstaff, I-40 near Flagstaff, and SR-87 and SR-260. State law only permits chains of reasonable proportions for safety (ARS 28-958). There is no standing commercial chain mandate. A violation is a civil traffic offense, roughly one hundred sixty dollars before surcharges. Check az511.gov before you climb.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: No fixed season. ADOT activates restrictions storm by storm and posts 'Chains or 4WD Required' or 'Snow tires or chains required' on message boards and roadside signs. The order is live only while it is posted and comes down when the storm clears.
- Where: Most often I-17 toward Flagstaff, I-40 near Flagstaff, and SR-87 and SR-260 in the high country. Restrictions are condition-based wherever ADOT posts them, not tied to named passes. There is no standing statewide requirement.
- Applies to: Any vehicle on the affected segment when ADOT posts a restriction. A 'Chains or 4WD Required' order binds cars and commercial trucks alike; there is no standing rule when nothing is posted.
- Chains vs traction devices: ARS 28-958 permits tire chains of reasonable proportions and does not spell out a type, so cable chains and link chains both qualify. Studded tires are legal October 1 to May 1 with metal studs under three percent of the tire's road contact. AutoSock and textile devices are not named in Arizona law and are not a guaranteed substitute. When ADOT posts an order, run real chains or a 4WD on snow tires.
- Check the live order: az511.gov or the AZ511 app for live restrictions and closures. ADOT's Know Snow and Ice page and @ArizonaDOT post storm updates.
- Fine: No chain-specific fine. A violation of ARS 28-958 is a civil traffic offense under Title 28. The base sanction runs roughly one hundred sixty dollars, and Arizona's mandatory surcharges push the total higher.
Arizona Chain Law FAQ
Does Arizona have a tire chain law?
When are chains required in Arizona?
Where do Arizona's chain requirements apply?
Does Arizona 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://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00958.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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