Louisiana Tire Chain Laws

How Louisiana handles chains

Louisiana has no chain law for trucks. Chains are permitted, not required. State law lets you run tire chains of reasonable proportions when conditions make a rig slide or skid (La. R.S. 32:362). DOTD posts no R-1 levels or 'Chains Required' signs. Ice is rare, mostly in the north on I-20 near Shreveport and Monroe, and that is where you might chain by choice. Check 511la.org or 511 during a hard freeze.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Optional. Louisiana DOTD posts no chain order and no chain-control signs. Chains are allowed for traction when roads turn slick, never required.
• Where: No mandate. North Louisiana around Shreveport and Monroe on I-20 sees rare ice, and that is where you might chain by choice.
• Applies to: No CMV chain mandate. The permissive rule applies to any vehicle, with no weight threshold.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when conditions make a vehicle slide or skid (La. R.S. 32:362). Traction devices that are not rubber are otherwise barred. No posted device tiers, so cable chains or AutoSock are a driver choice.
• Check the live order: Louisiana DOTD at 511la.org, or dial 511.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because chains are not required. Chains are optional for safety.

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