Complete Guide to Tire Chain Laws by State: Staying Safe and Legal in Winter

As winter approaches and snow begins to cover many parts of the United States, it’s essential for drivers to know when and where tire chains are required. Snow chains improve traction on icy and snow-covered roads, but their use is regulated differently from state to state. Some states mandate chains during severe weather conditions, while others allow them only in emergencies.

In this guide, we’ll provide a state-by-state overview of tire chain laws to help you navigate the rules, avoid fines, and stay safe on the roads.

Alabama

• Chain Laws: Tire chains are permitted when necessary for safety due to snow, ice, or other hazardous conditions.

Alaska

• Chain Laws: The Alaska Department of Transportation may require chains on certain routes during severe winter conditions. Chains are required when signs indicate, especially on steep grades.

Arizona

• Chain Laws: Chains are only required when the Arizona Department of Transportation posts signs indicating snowy or icy conditions, particularly on mountain roads.

Arkansas

• Chain Laws: Chains are required during severe snow or ice conditions, and signs will indicate when they are necessary.

California

• Chain Laws: Chains are mandatory on certain roads during snowy conditions, usually in mountain passes such as those in the Sierra Nevada. Signs will indicate when chains are required. All vehicles must carry chains during snow conditions, and those who fail to comply face fines.

Colorado

• Chain Laws: Colorado has strict chain laws, particularly for commercial vehicles. On I-70, the "Chain Law" often goes into effect during winter months. All commercial vehicles must carry chains from September through May. Passenger vehicles may also be required to use chains or adequate snow tires.

Connecticut

• Chain Laws: Connecticut allows tire chains when roads are covered in snow, ice, or other slippery conditions.

Delaware

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during conditions where ice or snow make roads dangerous. There are no mandatory chain requirements unless road signs indicate otherwise.

Georgia

• Chain Laws: The Georgia Department of Transportation may require chains during icy conditions, and vehicles must comply with posted signs.

Hawaii

• Chain Laws: Tire chains are rarely needed but allowed in hazardous conditions such as snow in higher altitudes like the summit of Mauna Kea.

Idaho

• Chain Laws: Chains may be required in certain mountainous areas, particularly during severe winter storms. Signs will be posted to indicate when chains are required.

Illinois

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted in hazardous conditions, such as when roads are covered with snow or ice.

Indiana

• Chain Laws: Indiana allows the use of chains for safety on snow- or ice-covered roads.

Iowa

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted on snow- or ice-covered roads, but there are no specific laws mandating their use.

Kansas

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted when roads are covered in snow or ice, but Kansas does not have mandatory chain laws.

Kentucky

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during winter weather when roads are covered with snow or ice.

Louisiana

• Chain Laws: Chains are required when road signs indicate their use due to hazardous conditions such as ice or snow.

Maine

• Chain Laws: Chains may be used when necessary during snow or icy road conditions. There are no mandatory requirements unless posted.

Maryland

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed on snowy or icy roads when necessary for safety.

Massachusetts

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted when roads are covered with snow or ice but are not mandatory unless otherwise indicated by law enforcement.

Michigan

• Chain Laws: Michigan allows the use of chains during hazardous weather conditions but does not mandate their use.

Minnesota

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during hazardous weather but are generally not required by law.

Mississippi

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted when necessary for safety during snow or icy conditions.

Missouri

• Chain Laws: Chains may be required in severe winter weather on certain routes, especially in mountainous areas.

Montana

• Chain Laws: Chains are required on certain routes during severe winter conditions. The Montana Department of Transportation will post signs when chains are necessary.

Nebraska

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed when roads are snow- or ice-covered, but there are no specific laws requiring their use.

Nevada

• Chain Laws: Chains are required on certain routes, especially mountain passes during snowstorms. Signs will indicate when chains are necessary.

New Hampshire

• Chain Laws: Chains may be required during severe winter weather on certain routes, especially in the White Mountains.

New Jersey

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted when road conditions are hazardous due to snow or ice.

New Mexico

• Chain Laws: Chains are required during severe winter conditions, especially in mountainous areas. The New Mexico Department of Transportation will post signs when chains are necessary.

New York

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during hazardous winter conditions but are not mandatory unless indicated by signage.

North Carolina

• Chain Laws: Chains are required when road signs indicate their use, particularly in mountainous areas during winter storms.

North Dakota

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted when roads are snow- or ice-covered, but they are not required by law.

Ohio

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed when roads are covered with snow or ice, but they are not mandatory.

Oklahoma

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted during hazardous weather but are not mandatory.

Oregon

• Chain Laws: Chains are required in many mountainous areas during winter conditions. Signs will indicate when chains are mandatory. Failure to comply can result in fines.

Pennsylvania

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted during hazardous weather conditions but are not mandatory unless otherwise indicated by signage.

Rhode Island

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted during snow or ice conditions but are not required.

South Carolina

• Chain Laws: Chains are required when road signs indicate their use, particularly during severe winter weather.

South Dakota

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during hazardous weather, particularly in areas with significant snowfall or ice.

Tennessee

• Chain Laws: Chains are required when signs indicate their use due to hazardous weather conditions.

Texas

• Chain Laws: Chains are required when the Texas Department of Transportation issues warnings during icy or snowy conditions.

Utah

• Chain Laws: Chains are required on certain routes during winter storms. The Utah Department of Transportation posts signs indicating when chains are necessary.

Vermont

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during winter conditions but are not mandatory unless otherwise indicated by law enforcement.

Virginia

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during hazardous weather but are not mandatory unless required by road signs.

Washington

• Chain Laws: Chains are required on mountain passes and other routes during snowstorms. Signs will indicate when chains are mandatory.

West Virginia

• Chain Laws: Chains are allowed during snow and ice conditions but are not required unless posted.

Wisconsin

• Chain Laws: Chains are permitted during winter weather but are not required unless otherwise indicated.

Wyoming

• Chain Laws: Wyoming has strict chain requirements during winter weather on certain roads, particularly in mountainous areas. Vehicles not complying with these requirements may be fined.

Conclusion

When driving in snowy or icy conditions, it's important to follow state and local laws regarding the use of tire chains. In many mountainous or snowy states, chains are mandatory during certain conditions, while other states allow them as an option. Always check road signs and conditions before your trip, and carry chains if you're traveling through snow-prone areas.

Safe winter travels!