New Mexico Studded Tire Law
No seasonal limit. New Mexico permits snow tires with metal studs designed to increase traction on ice or snow in any month, when snow, ice, or skid conditions call for them (NMSA 66-3-847). There's no GVW cap, so a loaded truck can run studs year-round. New Mexico has no chain law and posts no chain orders, so chains are your call too. Studs are not chains.
Running studs in New Mexico
No seasonal limit. New Mexico permits snow tires with metal studs designed to increase traction on ice or snow in any month, when snow, ice, or skid conditions call for them (NMSA 66-3-847). There's no GVW cap, so a loaded truck can run studs year-round. New Mexico has no chain law and posts no chain orders, so chains are your call too. Studs are not chains.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: No seasonal limit. Metal-studded snow tires are legal year-round when required for safety on ice or snow (NMSA 66-3-847). The general rule bars non-rubber protuberances beyond the tread, with an express carve-out for snow tires with metal studs designed for ice/snow traction.
- No statewide winter-tire (M+S/3PMSF) mandate and no chain-control program. State law only permits tire chains of reasonable proportions, or snow tires with metal studs, when snow, ice, or skid conditions require them for safety (NMSA 66-3-847(C)). No statute authorizes a posted chain order. Studs must be part of a snow tire designed for ice or snow traction. Truck weight cap: none, studs legal for trucks year-round. See the New Mexico chain-law page.
New Mexico Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in New Mexico?
When can you use studded tires in New Mexico?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in New Mexico?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4422/index.do. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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