Tire Chain Laws and Regulations by State
Tire chains are generally allowed when they are needed for safety on snow, ice, or slippery roads, but the details vary by state, vehicle type, road condition, and posted chain-control signs.
Use this state-by-state guide to find tire chain laws, snow chain rules, DOT guidance, 511 road-condition resources, and winter driving information before you travel.
Need Tire Chains for a Trip?
If you are checking chain laws before traveling, make sure your tire chains match your tire size, vehicle type, clearance limits, and the road conditions you expect to drive in.
When are tire chains legal?
Most states allow tire chains when they are needed for safety because of snow, ice, rain, or conditions that may cause skidding.
When are chains required?
Chains may be required when a state DOT posts chain controls, especially on mountain passes, steep grades, commercial truck routes, and roads affected by winter storms.
Do rules differ for trucks?
Yes. Passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, and vehicles over certain weight ratings may have different traction-device or chain requirements.
What should drivers check first?
Check your tire size, owner’s manual clearance rules, local 511 road conditions, and posted chain controls before driving into winter weather.
Jump to a State
Tire Chain Laws and Road Condition Resources by State
The state summaries below link to statutes, DOT guidance, or road-condition resources where available. For active restrictions, always check the current 511 or DOT road-condition service before travel.
Alabama Tire Chain Laws
Chains and reasonable traction devices are permitted when required for safety because of snow, rain, or conditions that could cause skidding.
Alaska Tire Chain Laws
Tire chains and studs may be subject to seasonal restrictions on paved roads, with different dates by location and emergency-order exceptions.
Arizona Tire Chain Laws
Tire chains are allowed when necessary because of snow, ice, or other conditions that may cause skidding.
Arkansas Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportion may be used when required for safety due to snow, ice, or similar conditions.
California Tire Chain Laws
California allows traction devices of reasonable size to prevent skidding on snow, ice, or wet surfaces, and Caltrans may post chain controls on mountain roads.
Colorado Tire Chain Laws
CDOT can activate Traction Laws and Chain Laws on state highways. Drivers must meet posted traction or chain requirements during storms and hazardous conditions.
Connecticut Tire Chain Laws
Connecticut permits certain metal nonskid devices seasonally, and tire equipment must meet state safety rules.
Delaware Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportion are allowed when required for safety, and studded tires are generally seasonal.
Florida Tire Chain Laws
Florida restricts damaging tire or wheel projections on paved roads. Traction devices must not damage roadway surfaces.
Georgia Tire Chain Laws
During winter weather emergencies, Georgia may limit access or require chains, including requirements for commercial vehicles when posted.
Hawaii Tire Chain Laws
Hawaii prohibits destructive wheel projections but permits ordinary detachable chains. Studded tire rules may apply on specific mountain roads.
Idaho Tire Chain Laws
Chains are permitted when required for safety, and studded tire use is seasonally limited with exceptions.
Illinois Tire Chain Laws
Tire chains of reasonable proportion are allowed when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar conditions.
Indiana Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar road conditions.
Iowa Tire Chain Laws
Iowa allows tire chains of reasonable proportion when required for safety because of snow, ice, or conditions that may cause skidding.
Kansas Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when required for safety due to snow, ice, or other skidding conditions.
Kentucky Tire Chain Laws
Kentucky has specific rules for chains, lugs, cross-chain thickness, and spacing when chains are used.
Louisiana Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when required for safety due to conditions that could cause skidding.
Maine Tire Chain Laws
Maine restricts studded tire dates, while chains may be used when conditions require and they do not damage the road surface.
Maryland Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions may be used when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar conditions.
Massachusetts Tire Chain Laws
Studded tires are seasonally limited, and chains are generally permitted when road conditions warrant and they do not damage the roadway.
Michigan Tire Chain Laws
Chains may be used when required for safety but must not contact the road surface in a way that damages it.
Minnesota Tire Chain Laws
Minnesota prohibits damaging projections but allows tire chains of reasonable proportions when required for safety.
Mississippi Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions may be used when required for safety due to snow, ice, or similar conditions.
Missouri Tire Chain Laws
Studded tire use is seasonal, and chains are permitted when conditions require them for safety.
Montana Tire Chain Laws
Chains and traction devices are permitted when required for safety, and studded tire dates and restrictions may apply.
Nebraska Tire Chain Laws
Metal studs are seasonal, and tire chains are permitted for safety due to snow or ice.
Nevada Tire Chain Laws
Nevada defines acceptable chain and traction-device construction, and chain controls may be posted in winter conditions.
New Hampshire Tire Chain Laws
Chains may be used when hazardous weather warrants and they do not damage the highway surface.
New Jersey Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when roads are slippery, but they are prohibited when not necessary for safety.
New Mexico Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportion and studded snow tires may be used when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar conditions.
New York Tire Chain Laws
Chains may be used when hazardous weather, snow emergencies, or posted restrictions warrant them, provided they do not damage the highway surface.
North Carolina Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions and certain limited-projection traction devices may be used for safety in snow or ice.
North Dakota Tire Chain Laws
Chains are permitted for safety, and studded tire dates apply to many vehicles.
Ohio Tire Chain Laws
Studded tire use is seasonal, and tire chains may be used when snow or ice conditions warrant.
Oklahoma Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted for safety, with seasonal and vehicle-capacity limits addressed by statute.
Oregon Tire Chain Laws
Oregon may require chains or traction tires on signed segments during storms. Failing to follow posted requirements can result in penalties.
Pennsylvania Tire Chain Laws
Chains may be used temporarily during snow or ice emergencies if they conform to Pennsylvania requirements.
Rhode Island Tire Chain Laws
Studded tires are seasonal, and chains of reasonable proportion are permitted for safety in slippery conditions.
South Carolina Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when required for safety due to snow, ice, or similar conditions.
South Dakota Tire Chain Laws
South Dakota prohibits damaging protuberances but permits tire chains of reasonable proportions when required for safety.
Tennessee Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions are permitted when required for safety because of snow, ice, or similar conditions.
Texas Tire Chain Laws
Chains or traction devices may be used when conditions warrant, provided they do not injure the highway and are used as required for safety.
Utah Tire Chain Laws
When posted or when conditions warrant, vehicles must meet Utah’s snow tire and chain requirements. Heavy vehicles may have specific axle chain requirements.
Vermont Tire Chain Laws
Vermont may require chains or winter tires on posted highway segments during winter weather, especially for trucks and buses.
Virginia Tire Chain Laws
Chains are permitted when required for safety, while studded tire use is subject to limits and seasonal rules.
Washington Tire Chain Laws
Washington allows approved chains, alternative traction devices, or studs when required for safety due to snow, ice, or similar conditions. Chain controls are common on mountain passes.
West Virginia Tire Chain Laws
Chains are permitted for safety, and studded tire use is seasonal with pressure and specification limits.
Wisconsin Tire Chain Laws
Chains of reasonable proportions may be used on any vehicle when required for safety due to snow, ice, or skidding conditions.
Wyoming Tire Chain Laws
During chain law activations, Wyoming may restrict travel to vehicles with adequate snow tires, AWD/4WD, or chains. Higher restriction levels may require chains regardless of drivetrain.
Tire Chain Law FAQ
Are tire chains legal in every state?
Tire chains are generally allowed when needed for safety, but each state has its own wording, road-surface restrictions, studded tire rules, and posted chain-control requirements.
Can I drive with tire chains on dry pavement?
You should not drive with chains on dry pavement unless legally required or conditions demand it. Chains can damage roads, wear quickly, and affect vehicle handling when used on bare pavement.
Are snow tires the same as tire chains?
No. Snow tires, studded tires, tire chains, and alternative traction devices may be treated differently under state rules. Some chain-control areas allow certain winter tires or 4WD/AWD vehicles, while others require actual chains.
Do commercial trucks have different chain laws?
Often, yes. Commercial trucks may be required to chain specific axles or carry chains during winter travel in certain states or mountain corridors.
Where should I check before driving?
Check the official state DOT, 511 road-condition system, posted roadside signs, and your vehicle owner’s manual before installing or using chains.