District of Columbia Studded Tire Law
The District allows metal studs October 15 to April 15 on any vehicle, with no weight cap (18 DCMR § 732). Stud tips may protrude no more than 1/8 in. and studs may be no wider than 1/4 in. Solid metal tires are banned outright. There's no M+S or 3PMSF winter-tire mandate. Chains are legal when snow or ice makes them necessary, and studs don't count as chains if you're told to chain up.
Running studs in District of Columbia
The District allows metal studs October 15 to April 15 on any vehicle, with no weight cap (18 DCMR § 732). Stud tips may protrude no more than 1/8 in. and studs may be no wider than 1/4 in. Solid metal tires are banned outright. There's no M+S or 3PMSF winter-tire mandate. Chains are legal when snow or ice makes them necessary, and studs don't count as chains if you're told to chain up.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: October 15 to April 15 (18 DCMR § 732).
- No M+S or 3PMSF winter-tire mandate. Solid metal tires are banned outright. Chains are legal when snow, ice, or other conditions tend to cause skidding, but studs are not chains and won't satisfy a chain order (see the District's chain-law page). Stud tips may protrude no more than 1/8 in. and studs may be no wider than 1/4 in. (including the casing). Truck note: no weight cap, studs legal for trucks in season.
District of Columbia Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in District of Columbia?
When can you use studded tires in District of Columbia?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in District of Columbia?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://dcrules.elaws.us/dcmr/18-732. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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