West Virginia Tire Chain Laws

How West Virginia handles chains

West Virginia has no chain law, mountains and all. Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when snow, ice, or other conditions make you skid (W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37). No DOT sign flips a chain requirement on, not on the Turnpike I-77, I-64, I-79, US 19, or Corridor H. Run good traction tires and carry chains by choice on those grades. Drive for the conditions and stop when you lose grip. Check WV 511.

When, where, and what counts

• When required: Never mandated. Chains are optional and legal only when snow, ice, or other conditions make you skid. No DOT sign or order activates a chain requirement anywhere, mountains included.
• Where: No mandate anywhere. Voluntary traction is most useful on the WV Turnpike (I-77), I-64 at Sandstone and Sam Black, I-79, US 19, and Corridor H.
• Applies to: All vehicles may run chains for safety; none are required. No CMV or weight threshold applies.
• Chains vs traction devices: Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted (§ 17C-15-37). Cable chains and textile traction devices like AutoSock are legal to run. Nothing is required, even on the steepest grades.
• Check the live order: WV 511 (wv511.org) for road and weather conditions. No chain-control status exists.
• Fine: None for chains. Chains are optional, so there is no chain-up penalty. Local snow emergency route ordinances may apply in a few towns.

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