Studded Tire Laws by State
Whether metal-stud tires are legal and the seasonal window, for all 50 states and DC. Not tire chains — those have their own section. Reference only, not legal advice.
Studs are a calendar rule, not a weather rule
In most states, metal studs are legal only inside a seasonal window — often around November 1 to April 1 — and running them a day outside it is a ticket even on dry pavement. A group of cold-weather states allow them year-round, some restrict them by weight or stud type, and a handful ban metal studs entirely. The window and the ban both flip at the state line, so check before you route through.
Studded tire rules for all 50 states and DC
Tap a state for the legality, the exact seasonal window, any winter-tire or traction requirement, and the fine.
| State | Studs | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama AL | Restricted | No calendar window |
| Alaska AK | Seasonal window | Studs barred on paved roads May 1 to September 15 north of 60 degrees N latitude, April 15 to September 30 south of 60 degrees N, and May 1 to September 15 on the Sterling Highway |
| Arizona AZ | Seasonal window | October 1 to May 1 |
| Arkansas AR | Seasonal window | November 15 to April 15 |
| California CA | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 30 |
| Colorado CO | Restricted | No seasonal limit |
| Connecticut CT | Seasonal window | November 15 to April 30 |
| Delaware DE | Seasonal window | October 15 to April 15 |
| District of Columbia DC | Seasonal window | October 15 to April 15 |
| Florida FL | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Georgia GA | Restricted | No calendar window |
| Hawaii HI | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Idaho ID | Seasonal window | October 1 to April 30 |
| Illinois IL | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round for trucks |
| Indiana IN | Seasonal window | October 1 to May 1 |
| Iowa IA | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 1 |
| Kansas KS | Restricted | November 1 to April 1 |
| Kentucky KY | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| Louisiana LA | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Maine ME | Seasonal window | About October 1 to April 30 |
| Maryland MD | Restricted | Metal studs banned statewide except vehicles registered in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, or Washington counties, November 1 to March 31 |
| Massachusetts MA | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 30 |
| Michigan MI | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited for trucks year-round |
| Minnesota MN | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Mississippi MS | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Missouri MO | Seasonal window | November 1 to March 31 |
| Montana MT | Seasonal window | October 1 to May 31 |
| Nebraska NE | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 1 |
| Nevada NV | Seasonal window | October 1 to April 30 |
| New Hampshire NH | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| New Jersey NJ | Seasonal window | November 15 to April 1 |
| New Mexico NM | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| New York NY | Seasonal window | October 16 to April 30 |
| North Carolina NC | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| North Dakota ND | Seasonal window | October 15 to April 15 |
| Ohio OH | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 15 |
| Oklahoma OK | Restricted | November 1 to April 1 |
| Oregon OR | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 1 |
| Pennsylvania PA | Seasonal window | November 1 to April 15 |
| Rhode Island RI | Seasonal window | November 15 to April 1 |
| South Carolina SC | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| South Dakota SD | Seasonal window | Metal studs October 1 to April 30 |
| Tennessee TN | Restricted | October 1 to April 15 |
| Texas TX | Prohibited | Metal studs prohibited year-round |
| Utah UT | Restricted | October 15 to March 31 |
| Vermont VT | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
| Virginia VA | Restricted | October 15 to April 15 |
| Washington WA | Restricted | November 1 to April 1 for vehicles under 10,000 lb |
| West Virginia WV | Restricted | November 1 to April 15 |
| Wisconsin WI | Restricted | No legal window for a truck |
| Wyoming WY | Legal year-round | No seasonal limit |
Sources: the cited state statutes; state DOT; AAA Digest of Motor Laws. Last reviewed July 2026. Governors can extend the window in a hard winter and some counties add rules, so confirm the current dates before you run studs.
Studded Tire Law FAQ
Are studded tires legal?
When can you run studded tires?
Which states ban studded tires?
Are studded tires the same as tire chains?
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