California Studded Tire Law
Studs are legal November 1 to April 30 (Cal. Veh. Code 27454), no weight cap - your truck can run them in season as long as metal touching the road stays under 3 percent of the tread. Retractable studs are fine year-round if retracted May 1 to October 31. California has no standing M+S mandate, but mountain chain controls (R1/R2/R3) are a separate order - studs don't count, so chain up when posted.
Running studs in California
Studs are legal November 1 to April 30 (Cal. Veh. Code 27454), no weight cap - your truck can run them in season as long as metal touching the road stays under 3 percent of the tread. Retractable studs are fine year-round if retracted May 1 to October 31. California has no standing M+S mandate, but mountain chain controls (R1/R2/R3) are a separate order - studs don't count, so chain up when posted.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: November 1 to April 30 (Cal. Veh. Code 27454). Retractable studs allowed year-round if retracted May 1 to October 31. Authorized emergency vehicles may run studs year-round.
- California has no standing M+S/3PMSF traction-tire mandate, but its mountain chain controls (R1/R2/R3) are a separate operational order. Studs do not count as chains - carry and install chains when the control is posted. See the California chain-law page.
California Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in California?
When can you use studded tires in California?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in California?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=27454. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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