Maine Tire Chain Laws

Maine has no chain-up law for trucks. Chains are permitted, not required, and legal whenever snow or ice makes the road slick (29-A M.R.S. 2381). No sign turns a chain order on here, because the state posts none. Studded tires are legal October 2 through April 30 (29-A M.R.S. 1919). Your duty is to drive to conditions and slow or stop when traction fails. Check Maine 511 before a storm run.

Chain lawNo

ScopeNo CMV mandate

Applies toNo commercial vehicle is bound

Traction devicesLink chains and cable chains of reasonable proportions are legal when snow or ice makes the road slick

01 The rule

How Maine handles chains

02 The details

When, where, and what counts

When required: Chains stay optional. Maine runs no DOT chain-up order, no R-1/R-2 signs, and no posted-pass system. Chains are legal whenever snow, ice, or other slippery conditions call for them (29-A M.R.S. 2381). Studded tires are legal October 2 through April 30 and banned May 1 through October 1 (29-A M.R.S. 1919).
Where: No mandate anywhere in the state. If you want traction, the climbs on I-95, US 2, and the western mountain roads near Rangeley and the Height of Land on ME 17 are where you would reach for chains. Nothing on the road requires them.
Applies to: No commercial vehicle is bound. Chains are permitted on any vehicle for safety, with no weight threshold and no class trigger.
Chains vs traction devices: Link chains and cable chains of reasonable proportions are legal when snow or ice makes the road slick (29-A M.R.S. 2381). Studded tires work in season. AutoSock and other textile traction devices are not addressed by statute. Nothing is required, so snow tires alone are lawful.
Check the live order: New England 511 at newengland511.org, or MaineDOT road conditions, for live winter status before a storm run.
Fine: None for chains. Chains are permitted, not required, so there is no chain-up penalty. Your drive-to-conditions duty still applies.

Maine Chain Law FAQ

Does Maine have a tire chain law?

No. Maine has no commercial chain mandate; chains are allowed for safety but not required. Maine has no chain-up law for trucks.

When are chains required in Maine?

Chains stay optional. Maine runs no DOT chain-up order, no R-1/R-2 signs, and no posted-pass system. Chains are legal whenever snow, ice, or other slippery conditions call for them (29-A M.R.S. 2381). Studded tires are legal October 2 through April 30 and banned May 1 through October 1 (29-A M.R.S. 1919).

Where do Maine's chain requirements apply?

No mandate anywhere in the state. If you want traction, the climbs on I-95, US 2, and the western mountain roads near Rangeley and the Height of Land on ME 17 are where you would reach for chains. Nothing on the road requires them.

Does Maine accept AutoSock or alternative traction devices?

Link chains and cable chains of reasonable proportions are legal when snow or ice makes the road slick (29-A M.R.S. 2381). Studded tires work in season. AutoSock and other textile traction devices are not addressed by statute. Nothing is required, so snow tires alone are lawful.

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: https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec2381.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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Maine Tire Chain Laws

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When, where, and what counts

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