New Jersey Studded Tire Law
Studs are legal only November 15 to April 1. The season sits in the state tire regulation (N.J.A.C. 13:20-32.19(g)); the enabling statute (N.J.S.A. 39:3-81) sets a $25 to $50 fine for tires with illegal studs or projections. No GVW cap and no out-of-state carve-out, so a loaded truck follows the same window. New Jersey has no winter-tire mandate, and studs don't count as chains.
Running studs in New Jersey
Studs are legal only November 15 to April 1. The season sits in the state tire regulation (N.J.A.C. 13:20-32.19(g)); the enabling statute (N.J.S.A. 39:3-81) sets a $25 to $50 fine for tires with illegal studs or projections. No GVW cap and no out-of-state carve-out, so a loaded truck follows the same window. New Jersey has no winter-tire mandate, and studs don't count as chains.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: November 15 to April 1 (N.J.A.C. 13:20-32.19)
- No winter-tire mandate in New Jersey. Studs are equipment, not chains — carrying legal in-season studs doesn't excuse you from a chains-required order. See the New Jersey chain-law page for what you must run in a storm.
New Jersey Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in New Jersey?
When can you use studded tires in New Jersey?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in New Jersey?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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/new-jersey/title-39/section-39-3-81/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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