Louisiana Studded Tire Law
Metal studs are illegal in Louisiana, year-round. No tire may carry a protuberance of any material other than rubber that projects past the tread (La. R.S. 32:362). There is no season and no weight break, and no carve-out for out-of-state trucks passing through — the ban applies to every vehicle. Rubber-only knobs and tire chains are the sole exceptions, and chains only when the road is slick enough to skid.
Running studs in Louisiana
Metal studs are illegal in Louisiana, year-round. No tire may carry a protuberance of any material other than rubber that projects past the tread (La. R.S. 32:362). There is no season and no weight break, and no carve-out for out-of-state trucks passing through — the ban applies to every vehicle. Rubber-only knobs and tire chains are the sole exceptions, and chains only when the road is slick enough to skid.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: Metal studs prohibited year-round
- No winter-tire or traction-tire law. Chains are allowed only when conditions cause skidding (La. R.S. 32:362). Studs do not count as chains and never satisfy a chain order. See the Louisiana chain-law page.
Louisiana Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Louisiana?
When can you use studded tires in Louisiana?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Louisiana?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-32/rs-32-362/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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