Georgia Tire Chain Laws

How Georgia handles chains

Georgia has no standing chain law. Chains only bind you in a declared winter emergency, when GDOT limits access on a road 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). Then commercial vehicles with four or more drive wheels must chain the outermost drive tires; buses chain at least two. Cause a wreck or block traffic while non-compliant and you face up to $1,000. Otherwise 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 designated roads 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). No emergency and no posted sign means no chain duty. Georgia runs no standing chain program.
• Where: Limited-access state highway sections that GDOT designates and signs during the emergency. Metro Atlanta interstates and North Georgia mountain corridors are the usual spots. 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. Four-wheel drive with adequate tires or all-weather snow tires can also satisfy the posted order. AutoSock-type devices are not named. Snow tires alone will not cover a heavy rig once the sign calls for chains.
• 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.

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