South Carolina Studded Tire Law
South Carolina allows regular and snow tires with studs year-round — no season and no GVW weight cap, as long as the studs project no more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread when compressed (S.C. Code §56-5-5040). Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when snow, ice, or skid conditions require them. No winter-tire mandate exists. Studs are not chains and won't satisfy a chain-control order. A violation is a standard equipment ticket.
Running studs in South Carolina
South Carolina allows regular and snow tires with studs year-round — no season and no GVW weight cap, as long as the studs project no more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread when compressed (S.C. Code §56-5-5040). Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when snow, ice, or skid conditions require them. No winter-tire mandate exists. Studs are not chains and won't satisfy a chain-control order. A violation is a standard equipment ticket.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: No seasonal limit. Studs are legal in any month if they project no more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread when compressed (S.C. Code §56-5-5040).
- No M+S/3PMSF winter-tire law. Tire chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other skid conditions (S.C. Code §56-5-5040). Studs are equipment, not a traction order, and don't satisfy a chain requirement — see the South Carolina chain-law page. Studs are capped at 1/16-inch projection but face no weight limit.
South Carolina Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in South Carolina?
When can you use studded tires in South Carolina?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in South Carolina?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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/south-carolina/title-56/chapter-5/section-56-5-5040/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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