Michigan Tire Chain Laws

How Michigan handles chains

Michigan has no truck chain law. Chains are allowed, not required (MCL 257.710). You may run chains of reasonable proportion when snow or ice would cause a skid, then pull them once the pavement is bare so they don't tear at clean road. No R-1, R-2, or Chains Required sign is ever posted in Michigan. Lake-effect country still bites hard. Slow down and check Mi Drive.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Chains are optional. There is no seasonal activation and no chain-control system. MDOT never posts R-1/R-2/R-3 or 'Chains Required' signs. You may run chains any time snow or ice would cause a skid, then pull them once the pavement is bare.
• Where: No mandate anywhere. Voluntary traction in the lake-effect belts of the Upper Peninsula (US 41, M-28) and West Michigan (US 131, I-94). Michigan 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 for safety on snow or ice (MCL 257.710); cable chains qualify. The Michigan State Police say a chain in use must not contact the road surface, so pull chains before you run on bare pavement. No device is mandated, so AutoSock is neither required nor prohibited, and no weight threshold forces chains.
• Check the live order: Mi Drive at Michigan.gov/drive (MDOT) for live road conditions. Michigan issues no chain-control order to check.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because chains aren't required. Running chains for safety is expressly permitted, not a violation. Prohibited metal tires or studs under MCL 257.710 are a civil infraction (MCL 257.683(6)). The fine is capped at $100, or $250 if you drive a commercial motor vehicle (MCL 257.907(2)(a), (3)). Costs of up to $100 and a $40 justice system assessment come on top (MCL 257.907(4), (12)). If the ticket is for defective safety equipment, the court waives the fine, costs and assessment once police certify the repair was made before your court date (MCL 257.907(9)).

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