Illinois Studded Tire Law
Leave the studs off. Illinois prohibits any metal stud or protuberance that projects beyond the tread (625 ILCS 5/12-401) on your truck, all year. The only November 15 to April 1 exception covers rural USPS mail carriers and disabled- or veteran-plate owners who live in unincorporated areas on county or township roads. There is no GVW threshold to work around, and no out-of-state pass-through carve-out for trucks. Chains are legal for snow or ice; studs are not chains.
Running studs in Illinois
Leave the studs off. Illinois prohibits any metal stud or protuberance that projects beyond the tread (625 ILCS 5/12-401) on your truck, all year. The only November 15 to April 1 exception covers rural USPS mail carriers and disabled- or veteran-plate owners who live in unincorporated areas on county or township roads. There is no GVW threshold to work around, and no out-of-state pass-through carve-out for trucks. Chains are legal for snow or ice; studs are not chains.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: Metal studs prohibited year-round for trucks. A November 15 to April 1 window exists only for rural USPS mail carriers and disabled- or veteran-plate owners who live in unincorporated areas on a county or township road (625 ILCS 5/12-401).
- No winter-traction-tire law (no M+S or 3PMSF requirement). Chains are allowed for snow or ice. A legal in-season stud from another state still would not count as a chain here. Check the Illinois tire-chain page for what a storm requires.
Illinois Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Illinois?
When can you use studded tires in Illinois?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Illinois?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext?DocName=062500050K12-401. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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