Indiana Tire Chain Laws

How Indiana handles chains

Indiana has no chain law for trucks. Chains are permitted, not required (IC 9-19-18-3). You may run chains of reasonable proportion when snow or ice would make you skid, and studs are legal only October 1 through May 1. No DOT posts R-1, R-2, or a Chains Required order in Indiana. Nothing on the books forces a truck to chain up. Slow down and check 511 Indiana.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Chains are optional. There is no seasonal activation and no chain-control system. INDOT never posts R-1/R-2/R-3 or 'Chains Required' signs. You may run chains any time snow or ice would make a vehicle skid. Studs are legal only October 1 through May 1.
• Where: No mandate anywhere. Voluntary traction on I-80/90 (the Indiana Toll Road) and I-65 in the lake-effect belt near South Bend and Gary. Indiana has no mountain passes and no chain-control corridors.
• Applies to: No CMV chain mandate and no weight threshold. The tire-equipment statute applies to all vehicles equally, and only when a driver chooses to run chains.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains of reasonable proportion are allowed (IC 9-19-18-3); cable chains qualify. Studs are permitted Oct 1 to May 1. No device is mandated, so AutoSock is neither required nor barred, and no CMV threshold forces real chains.
• Check the live order: 511 Indiana / INDOT TrafficWise (511in.org) for live conditions. Indiana issues no chain-control order to look up.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because chains aren't required. A general motor-vehicle equipment violation is a Class C infraction (up to $500), but using permitted chains for safety is not a violation.

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