Alaska Studded Tire Law

When studs are legal depends on latitude. They're barred on paved roads May 1 to September 15 north of 60 degrees North, April 15 to September 30 south of 60 degrees North, and May 1 to September 15 on the Sterling Highway (AS 28.35.155). No weight cap - trucks may run studs in season. A violation is a $50 correctable fine, no points. Anchorage city limits push the legal start to October 1, so check local rules.

Metal studsSeasonal window

SeasonStuds 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

Fine$50, correctable, no points

StatuteAS 28.35.155

01 Legality

Running studs in Alaska

02 Season & traction

The window and winter-tire rules

Season: 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 (AS 28.35.155). Legal the rest of the year. Anchorage municipal ordinance delays the legal start to October 1 inside city limits.
Alaska DOT posts chain and traction requirements in mountain passes. Studs are not chains and don't satisfy a chain order. An individual traction permit from the Department of Administration can authorize studs outside the normal season. See the Alaska chain-law page.

Alaska Studded Tire FAQ

Are studded tires legal in Alaska?

Seasonal window. The window is 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 (AS 28.35.155). Legal the rest of the year. Anchorage municipal ordinance delays the legal start to October 1 inside city limits.. When studs are legal depends on latitude.

When can you use studded tires in Alaska?

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 (AS 28.35.155). Legal the rest of the year. Anchorage municipal ordinance delays the legal start to October 1 inside city limits.

What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Alaska?

$50, correctable, no points (AS 28.35.155; Alaska Court System Uniform Minor Offense Table).

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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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 July 2026. Source: https://dot.alaska.gov/gen_travelinfo.shtml. See our Terms & Disclaimer.

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