Connecticut Studded Tire Law
Metal-stud tires are legal November 15 to April 30 (C.G.S. §14-98); outside that window no metal part of the tire may touch the road. Emergency, road-construction, and farm-access vehicles are exempt. No GVW cap, so the season covers a loaded truck, and no out-of-state pass. A first offense is an infraction; a subsequent offense can be fined up to $200. No winter-tire mandate, and studs are not chains.
Running studs in Connecticut
Metal-stud tires are legal November 15 to April 30 (C.G.S. §14-98); outside that window no metal part of the tire may touch the road. Emergency, road-construction, and farm-access vehicles are exempt. No GVW cap, so the season covers a loaded truck, and no out-of-state pass. A first offense is an infraction; a subsequent offense can be fined up to $200. No winter-tire mandate, and studs are not chains.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: November 15 to April 30 (C.G.S. §14-98)
- Connecticut has no winter-tire (M+S/3PMSF) requirement. Studs don't count as a chain or approved traction device; a chains-required order still means chain up. See the Connecticut chain-law page.
Connecticut Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Connecticut?
When can you use studded tires in Connecticut?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Connecticut?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-246/section-14-98/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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