District of Columbia Tire Chain Laws
DC has no chain-up law for trucks. From October 15 to April 15, when snow or ice covers a marked Snow Emergency Route, you may not let your vehicle stall for want of tire chains or effective snow tires (18 DCMR 2219). Snow tires satisfy it, so chains are never forced. No R-1/R-2 sign turns a chain order on. Operating without effective snow tires or chains runs $100, a snow emergency violation $250. Check snow.dc.gov.
How District of Columbia handles chains
DC has no chain-up law for trucks. From October 15 to April 15, when snow or ice covers a marked Snow Emergency Route, you may not let your vehicle stall for want of tire chains or effective snow tires (18 DCMR 2219). Snow tires satisfy it, so chains are never forced. No R-1/R-2 sign turns a chain order on. Operating without effective snow tires or chains runs $100, a snow emergency violation $250. Check snow.dc.gov.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: Chains stay optional. DC runs no standing chain-up mandate for trucks. From October 15 to April 15, when snow, sleet, or ice covers a marked Snow Emergency Route, you may not let your vehicle stall for want of tire chains or effective snow tires (18 DCMR 2219). Snow tires satisfy it, so chains are never forced. Off those routes and outside the season, chains are optional.
- Where: The stall rule reaches only marked Snow Emergency Routes, such as major arterials and bridge approaches. There is no chain duty on other streets and no pass-based chain zone.
- Applies to: The stall rule reaches all motor vehicles on a marked Snow Emergency Route. No weight threshold and no truck-specific chain mandate. Cars and CMVs are treated alike.
- Chains vs traction devices: Tire chains or effective snow tires satisfy 18 DCMR 2219. Snow tires are an accepted substitute, so there is no chain-only rule for heavy trucks. Cable chains and textile traction devices are legal to run for safety. AutoSock is not named.
- Check the live order: snow.dc.gov and DDOT alerts for declared Snow Emergencies and active route status.
- Fine: $100 for operating without effective snow tires or chains (18 DCMR 2219.1; DC civil fine schedule, 18 DCMR 2600). A snow emergency regulations violation runs $250. Parking on a route during a declared emergency draws a ticket plus a tow.
District of Columbia Chain Law FAQ
Does District of Columbia have a tire chain law?
When are chains required in District of Columbia?
Where do District of Columbia's chain requirements apply?
Does District of Columbia 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: http://dcrules.elaws.us/dcmr/18-2219. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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