North Carolina Tire Chain Laws

How North Carolina handles chains

North Carolina has no chain-up law for trucks. Chains are permitted, not required. State law lets you run tire chains of reasonable proportions when snow, ice, or slick roads make them needed for safety (N.C.G.S. 20-122). NCDOT posts no R-1 levels and no 'Chains Required' signs. The western mountains are where you would chain by choice, like I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge or US-441 at Newfound Gap. Check DriveNC.gov or 511.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Optional. NCDOT posts no chain order and no 'Chains Required' signs. Chains are allowed for traction during snow and ice, never mandated.
• Where: No mandate. Voluntary traction routes run through the western mountains: I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge, I-26 at Sams Gap, US-74 over the Blue Ridge, and US-441 at Newfound Gap.
• Applies to: No CMV chain mandate. The permissive rule applies to any vehicle, with no weight threshold.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when snow, ice, or slick conditions make them needed for safety (N.C.G.S. 20-122). No posted device grades exist, so cable chains or AutoSock are a driver call, not a state-approved pass tier.
• Check the live order: NCDOT road conditions at DriveNC.gov, or dial 511.
• Fine: No chain-up fine, because chains are not required. Chains are optional for safety.

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