Connecticut Tire Chain Laws

Connecticut has no chain-up law for trucks. Chains and studded tires are legal November 15 through April 30 (C.G.S. 14-98), but nothing is required in normal weather. No sign turns a chain order on, because the state runs none. When a storm is bad, the governor declares an emergency and bans commercial vehicles from the limited-access highways, I-84, I-91, and I-95 among them. That ban is the real tool here. Check CT 511 and the Governor's alerts.

Chain lawNo

ScopeNo CMV mandate

Applies toNo standing chain duty on any vehicle

Traction devicesLink chains, cable chains, and studded tires are permitted November 15 through April 30

01 The rule

How Connecticut handles chains

02 The details

When, where, and what counts

When required: No standing chain order. Chains and metal nonskid tires are legal November 15 through April 30 (C.G.S. 14-98), but nothing is required in normal weather. When a storm is severe the governor declares an emergency and bans commercial vehicles from limited-access highways. That ban, not a chain order, is the enforcement tool.
Where: No standing chain zone. The governor's commercial-vehicle bans hit the limited-access highways: I-84, I-91, I-95, I-395, and the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways. For voluntary traction, the same interstates carry the worst grades.
Applies to: No standing chain duty on any vehicle. Emergency bans, when declared, apply to commercial vehicles and tractor-trailers on limited-access highways.
Chains vs traction devices: Link chains, cable chains, and studded tires are permitted November 15 through April 30 (C.G.S. 14-98). AutoSock and textile devices are not addressed. No device is required, so snow tires alone are lawful.
Check the live order: CT Travel Smart at ctroads.org, plus CTDOT and the Governor's emergency declarations, for the current commercial-vehicle ban status.
Fine: None for chains. Running during a governor's commercial-vehicle travel ban carries the emergency-order penalties set by the declaration.

Connecticut Chain Law FAQ

Does Connecticut have a tire chain law?

No. Connecticut has no commercial chain mandate; chains are allowed for safety but not required. Connecticut has no chain-up law for trucks.

When are chains required in Connecticut?

No standing chain order. Chains and metal nonskid tires are legal November 15 through April 30 (C.G.S. 14-98), but nothing is required in normal weather. When a storm is severe the governor declares an emergency and bans commercial vehicles from limited-access highways. That ban, not a chain order, is the enforcement tool.

Where do Connecticut's chain requirements apply?

No standing chain zone. The governor's commercial-vehicle bans hit the limited-access highways: I-84, I-91, I-95, I-395, and the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways. For voluntary traction, the same interstates carry the worst grades.

Does Connecticut accept AutoSock or alternative traction devices?

Link chains, cable chains, and studded tires are permitted November 15 through April 30 (C.G.S. 14-98). AutoSock and textile devices are not addressed. No device is required, so snow tires alone are lawful.

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://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-246/section-14-98/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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Connecticut Tire Chain Laws

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When, where, and what counts

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