Minnesota Tire Chain Laws
None. Minnesota has no chain law for trucks. Chains of reasonable proportions are legal when snow or ice can make you skid, and the statute stops there (Minn. Stat. 169.72). No 'Chains Required' signs go up on Minnesota roads. In heavy weather MnDOT closes highways and posts No Travel Advised instead of ordering chains. Studded tires are off-limits for most drivers year-round. Check 511mn before you roll in a storm.
How Minnesota handles chains
None. Minnesota has no chain law for trucks. Chains of reasonable proportions are legal when snow or ice can make you skid, and the statute stops there (Minn. Stat. 169.72). No 'Chains Required' signs go up on Minnesota roads. In heavy weather MnDOT closes highways and posts No Travel Advised instead of ordering chains. Studded tires are off-limits for most drivers year-round. Check 511mn before you roll in a storm.
When, where, and what counts
- When required: Optional. No activation. Chains are legal for traction whenever snow or ice can make you skid; no chain-control signs are ever posted.
- Where: No mandate. Voluntary traction helps most on I-90, I-94, I-35, and US 2 during ice and blizzards.
- Applies to: None as a requirement. Chains are permitted for all vehicles and none must run them.
- Chains vs traction devices: Tire chains of reasonable proportions are legal on any vehicle. You can run them when snow, ice or other conditions can make you skid (Minn. Stat. 169.72 subd. 1(d)(2)). The statute names only tire chains and says nothing about cable chains, textile socks or other traction devices. Otherwise it bars non-rubber protuberances on the tire tread (subd. 1(c)). Nothing requires chains over snow tires. Studded tires are barred for most drivers, so do not count on studs.
- Check the live order: Check MnDOT's 511 before you roll (511mn.org).
- Fine: No chain-law fine. Chains are optional; nothing requires them.
Minnesota Chain Law FAQ
Does Minnesota have a tire chain law?
When are chains required in Minnesota?
Where do Minnesota's chain requirements apply?
Does Minnesota accept AutoSock or alternative traction devices?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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 September 2026. Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169.72. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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