Missouri Tire Chain Laws

How Missouri handles chains

Missouri has no statewide chain law for trucks. Chains are permitted for safety, not required. Metal or carbide studs are legal only November 1 through March 31 (Mo. Rev. Stat. 307.171). The state DOT never posts R-1, R-2, or a Chains Required order. Kansas City can declare a traffic emergency that limits posted routes to vehicles with chains or snow tires. Check the MoDOT Traveler map.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Chains are optional statewide. There is no seasonal activation and no chain-control signs. MoDOT never posts R-1/R-2/R-3 or 'Chains Required' orders. You may run chains for safety on snow or ice. Metal or carbide studs are legal only November 1 through March 31. Cities can declare a snow emergency that triggers traction rules on posted routes.
• Where: No statewide mandate. Voluntary traction on I-70, I-44, and I-49 during storms. Watch posted snow-emergency routes inside Kansas City and St. Louis. Missouri has no mountain passes and no state chain-control corridors.
• Applies to: No state CMV chain mandate or weight threshold. Local snow-emergency rules, where declared, bind whoever drives a posted emergency route, not a specific truck weight class.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains are allowed for traction on snow or ice; cable chains qualify. Metal or carbide studs are permitted only Nov 1 to Mar 31 (Mo. Rev. Stat. 307.171). No state device mandate. On a Kansas City traffic emergency, chains or snow tires can each satisfy the local rule, so real chains aren't singled out.
• Check the live order: MoDOT Traveler Information Map (traveler.modot.org) or call 1-888-275-6636. Check the city website for any active snow emergency. Missouri issues no state chain-control order.
• Fine: No statewide chain-up fine, because chains aren't required. Studded tires used out of season (307.171) is an infraction. Snow-emergency violations are set by municipal ordinance (Kansas City, St. Louis) and amounts vary by city.

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