Georgia Tire Chain Laws

How Georgia handles chains

Georgia's chain law for trucks only switches on in a declared winter emergency, when GDOT limits access on a state highway and posts signs calling for tire chains, four-wheel drive with adequate tires, or all-weather snow tires (O.C.G.A. 32-6-5). Commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels must chain the outermost drive tires whatever the sign lists; buses chain at least two. Cause a wreck or block traffic while non-compliant and you face up to $1,000. Outside a declared emergency there is no chain duty. Check 511ga.org.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Only in a declared state of emergency for inclement winter weather. GDOT then limits access on roads in the state highway system and posts signs that vehicles must have tire chains, four-wheel drive with adequate tires, or all-weather snow tires to proceed (O.C.G.A. 32-6-5). Buses and commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels must chain on those roads whatever the sign lists. No emergency and no posted sign means no chain duty.
• Where: Any portion of the state highway system where GDOT closes or limits access and posts signs during the declared winter emergency. Non-freeway state routes can be covered too. County and city roads are outside the statute (O.C.G.A. 32-6-5). There is no standing, pass-based chain zone.
• Applies to: During the emergency, commercial vehicles other than buses with four or more drive wheels must chain the outermost drive-wheel tires. Buses must chain at least two drive-wheel tires before proceeding (O.C.G.A. 32-6-5).
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains are defined as metal chains with two side loops joined by at least nine evenly spaced cross chains, or any traction device giving equal or better traction (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 570-37-.02). Four-wheel drive with adequate tires or all-weather snow tires can satisfy the posted order for other vehicles. They never satisfy it for a bus or a commercial vehicle with four or more drive wheels, which must chain up whatever the sign lists. AutoSock-type devices are not named.
• Check the live order: Georgia 511 at 511ga.org and GDOT road status, plus GEMA state-of-emergency declarations.
• Fine: Up to $1,000 if you cause an accident or block traffic while non-compliant during the declared emergency (O.C.G.A. 32-6-5). Outside an emergency there is no chain penalty.

More for Georgia