Utah Studded Tire Law

Running studs in Utah

The calendar says October 15 to March 31 (Utah Code 41-6a-1636), but the fact that decides it for a rig is the weight cap: metal studs are illegal on any vehicle with a maximum gross weight over 9,000 lb unless it's an emergency vehicle or school bus. So a loaded truck cannot run studs in Utah at all. Studs cap at .050-inch projection. Studs are not chains — chain up when UDOT posts a traction order.

The window and winter-tire rules

• Season: October 15 to March 31 (Utah Code 41-6a-1636), split as October 15–December 31 and January 1–March 31 — but only on vehicles 9,000 lb maximum gross weight or under, so not on a loaded truck.
• Truck weight cap: metal studs are barred on any vehicle over 9,000 lb maximum gross weight (except emergency vehicles and school buses) — a loaded truck can't run studs here regardless of the date. Studs limited to .050-inch projection. UDOT posts traction requirements (M+S or snow tires, 4WD/AWD, or chains) on canyon roads such as the Cottonwood Canyons; studs are not chains and don't satisfy a posted chain order — see the Utah chain-law page.

More for Utah