Virginia Studded Tire Law
Studs are legal only October 15 to April 15, and only on vehicles up to 10,000 lb gross weight (Va. Code § 46.2-1044). Your loaded rig is over that line, so you cannot run metal studs in Virginia at all, season or not. Studs may project no more than 1/16 in. and cover 3% of the tread. Police, fire, EMS, and VDOT trucks are exempt; you're not. Chain up when it turns bad.
Running studs in Virginia
Studs are legal only October 15 to April 15, and only on vehicles up to 10,000 lb gross weight (Va. Code § 46.2-1044). Your loaded rig is over that line, so you cannot run metal studs in Virginia at all, season or not. Studs may project no more than 1/16 in. and cover 3% of the tread. Police, fire, EMS, and VDOT trucks are exempt; you're not. Chain up when it turns bad.
The window and winter-tire rules
- Season: October 15 to April 15 (Va. Code § 46.2-1044), and only on vehicles at or under 10,000 lb gross weight.
- No M+S or 3PMSF winter-tire mandate. Chains are legal when snow or ice makes them necessary. Studs are not chains and won't satisfy any chain or traction order, so a studded tire does not cover you when conditions call for chaining up (see the Virginia chain-law page). Studs must project no more than 1/16 in. and cover no more than 3% of the tread. Truck note: studs are barred on any vehicle over 10,000 lb GVW.
Virginia Studded Tire FAQ
Are studded tires legal in Virginia?
When can you use studded tires in Virginia?
What is the fine for illegal studded tires in Virginia?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter10/section46.2-1044/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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