Maryland Tire Chain Laws

How Maryland handles chains

Maryland runs a narrow chain rule, not a statewide one. On a signposted snow emergency route with a snow emergency declared, you may not drive unless you carry chains or snow tires on one wheel at each end of a driving axle (Md. Transp. 21-1119). The signs mark the routes; snow tires satisfy the rule, so you are not forced to chain. Off those routes chains are permitted for safety (22-405.2). Check Maryland 511 for declared emergencies.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Only on a signposted snow emergency route while a snow emergency is declared and in effect. Then you may not drive that route unless you carry chains or snow tires on at least one wheel at each end of a driving axle (Md. Transp. 21-1119). Off those routes, or with no emergency declared, chains are optional.
• Where: Signposted snow emergency routes designated by the State Highway Administration, during a declared snow emergency. There is no mandate elsewhere and no mountain-pass chain zone. Voluntary traction is most useful on I-68 over Big Savage Mountain, I-70, and I-81.
• Applies to: All motor vehicles except motorcycles on a snow emergency route during a declared emergency. No weight threshold, so the rule binds cars and CMVs alike.
• Chains vs traction devices: The rule is satisfied by chains or snow tires on at least one wheel at each end of a driving axle (21-1119). Snow tires are an accepted substitute, so a heavy truck is not forced to run chains, but must carry chains or qualifying snow tires. AutoSock is not named. Cable chains are legal to run for safety elsewhere.
• Check the live order: Maryland 511 at md511.maryland.gov, plus State Police and MDOT alerts, for declared snow emergencies and route status.
• Fine: Not a fixed dollar figure in the statute. A 21-1119 violation is a payable Maryland traffic offense, and you can be cited or towed for blocking a snow emergency route. Confirm the current amount on the Maryland payable-offense schedule.

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