Arizona Studded Tire Law
Run metal studs October 1 through May 1 (ARS 28-958); outside that window, metal protuberances on the tire are illegal. Arizona sets no GVW cap, so a loaded truck can run studs in season, but the studs or metal in road contact can't exceed 3% of the tire's contact area. Most of the state never needs them. The snow is up north around Flagstaff, where ADOT recommends chains or four-wheel drive in storms and closes roads when they get too dangerous. No Arizona law makes chains mandatory. Studs are not chains.
Running studs in Arizona
Run metal studs October 1 through May 1 (ARS 28-958); outside that window, metal protuberances on the tire are illegal. Arizona sets no GVW cap, so a loaded truck can run studs in season, but the studs or metal in road contact can't exceed 3% of the tire's contact area. Most of the state never needs them. The snow is up north around Flagstaff, where ADOT recommends chains or four-wheel drive in storms and closes roads when they get too dangerous. No Arizona law makes chains mandatory. Studs are not chains.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: October 1 to May 1 (ARS 28-958). Outside that window, tires may not carry metal studs or other non-rubber protuberances beyond the tread.
- No statewide winter-tire (M+S/3PMSF) mandate and no enforceable chain order. State law only permits tire chains of reasonable proportions when snow, ice, or skid conditions require them for safety (ARS 28-958). During storms ADOT recommends chains or four-wheel drive on the high-country routes near Flagstaff (I-17, I-40, US-180) and closes roads it can no longer keep safe. Studs or metal in road contact are limited to 3% of the tire contact area. Truck weight cap: none, studs legal for trucks in season. See the Arizona chain-law page.
Arizona Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Arizona?
When can you use studded tires in Arizona?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Arizona?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/00958.htm. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Arizona
Check Arizona before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →