Tennessee Studded Tire Law
Studs are legal October 1 to April 15 — but only on vehicles 9,000 lb GVW or less (Tenn. Code §55-9-106). That weight cap is the whole ballgame for a rig: a loaded Class-8 truck cannot run studs in Tennessee in any month, season or not (school buses and emergency vehicles excepted). Studded material touching the road is capped at 5% of the tire's contact area after the first 1,000 miles. A violation is a standard equipment ticket.
Running studs in Tennessee
Studs are legal October 1 to April 15 — but only on vehicles 9,000 lb GVW or less (Tenn. Code §55-9-106). That weight cap is the whole ballgame for a rig: a loaded Class-8 truck cannot run studs in Tennessee in any month, season or not (school buses and emergency vehicles excepted). Studded material touching the road is capped at 5% of the tire's contact area after the first 1,000 miles. A violation is a standard equipment ticket.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: October 1 to April 15 (Tenn. Code §55-9-106), and only on a vehicle with a maximum gross weight of 9,000 lb or less.
- No M+S/3PMSF winter-tire mandate. Tennessee's mountain corridors (I-40, I-26, US-64) can post chain/traction requirements in an ice event; studs are not chains and don't satisfy a chain order — see the Tennessee chain-law page. School buses and emergency vehicles are exempt from the 9,000 lb stud weight cap.
Tennessee Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Tennessee?
When can you use studded tires in Tennessee?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Tennessee?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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/tennessee/title-55/chapter-9/part-1/section-55-9-106/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
More for Tennessee
Check Tennessee before you roll
Live weather, closures, and hazards on one map. Free, no account.
Open Live Map →