Massachusetts Tire Chain Laws

How Massachusetts handles chains

Massachusetts makes only two permitted truck classes carry chains, not ordinary legal-weight trucks. Turnpike large tandem units must carry tire chains October 15 to May 1, with a fine up to $500 (700 CMR 7.08(11)(c), 7.08(29)). Overweight reducible-load permit vehicles need skid chains November 1 to May 1 and may not move in a snowstorm or on hard-packed snow or ice (700 CMR 8.06(1)). Metal studs are barred May 1 to November 1 (M.G.L. c. 90, s. 16). In a declared snow emergency the state can order commercial vehicles off the road. Check Mass511.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Seasonal carry rules bind two permitted truck classes. Turnpike large tandem units must carry tire chains October 15 to May 1 (700 CMR 7.08(11)(c)). Overweight reducible-load permit vehicles must have skid chains November 1 to May 1, and they may not move during a snowstorm or when large areas of hard-packed snow or ice cover the road (700 CMR 8.06(1)). For those classes chains are required equipment in season. Massachusetts runs no chain-mount mandate for ordinary trucks and no R-1/R-2 signs. Trucking guides repeat a tri-axle chain rule, but no official source carries one. In a declared snow emergency the state can order commercial vehicles off the roads.
• Where: The large tandem chain-carry rule applies only on the Turnpike, the only highway large tandem units may use (700 CMR 7.08(2)). By statute the Turnpike is I-90 from West Stockbridge at the New York line to, but not including, the I-90/Route 128 (I-95) interchange in Weston (M.G.L. c. 6C, s. 1). The skid-chain condition for overweight reducible-load permits applies on the MassDOT routes listed in 700 CMR 8.12 and on routes the Department designates as through routes (700 CMR 8.01(1), 8.06(1)). A declared snow-emergency travel order can clear commercial vehicles from any state road. For voluntary traction, the Berkshire grades on I-90 and US 20 are the worst.
• Applies to: Only two permitted truck classes are bound by a chain rule. Each tractor in a large tandem unit (either trailer over 28 feet) running the Turnpike under a large tandem unit permit must carry one set of tire chains for at least one driving wheel on each side, October 15 to May 1 (700 CMR 7.08(11)(c)). Vehicles moving under a MassDOT overweight reducible-load permit must have skid chains November 1 to May 1, carried for emergencies and installed wherever necessary (700 CMR 8.06(1)). Ordinary legal-weight trucks and small tandem units have no chain rule. A declared snow emergency can ban commercial vehicles from the roads, which is a travel ban, not a chain order.
• Chains vs traction devices: Both rules call for chains. Each large tandem tractor carries one set of tire chains for at least one driving wheel on each side, and snow tires do not satisfy that rule (700 CMR 7.08(11)(c)). Overweight reducible-load permit vehicles must have skid chains (700 CMR 8.06(1)). Metal studded tires are barred May 1 to November 1, and the Registrar may allow them before November 1 when weather requires (M.G.L. c. 90, s. 16). Studs satisfy neither chain rule. AutoSock and textile devices are not named in statute. For ordinary trucks, snow tires alone are lawful.
• Check the live order: Mass511 at mass511.com, or MassDOT, for snow-emergency travel orders and live winter status.
• Fine: Up to $500 per offense for breaking any provision of 700 CMR 7.08, including the large tandem chain-carry rule (700 CMR 7.08(29); 700 CMR 7.13 Table 12). For permits issued under 700 CMR 8.00, including the 8.06(1) skid-chain condition, the penalties in M.G.L. c. 90, s. 20 apply (700 CMR 8.17(7)). A studded-tire violation carries a fine of not more than $50 (M.G.L. c. 90, s. 16). A declared snow-emergency travel ban carries the penalties set by that order.

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