Tire Chain Laws By State [Guide for Truck Drivers]

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What are Tire Chains?Tire Chain Laws By Statemust

State	Chain Law Summary
Alabama	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Alaska	Tire chain laws vary by location and time of year, check local laws. Special permits may be obtained to use chains in prohibited zones.
Arizona	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Arkansas	Allowed during certain times of year when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
California	Tire chain controls may be established in mountain areas. If so, there are three levels of requirements. Level 1 requires chains on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight equipped with snow tires. Level 2 requires chains on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires. Level 3 requires chains on all vehicles, no exceptions.
Colorado	Drivers must carry tire chains in certain areas September 1 to May 31. To avoid fines, check local laws and use chains when required.
Connecticut	Chains and studded tires may be used November 15 to April 30.
Delaware	Chains are allowed when needed from October 15 to April 15.
Florida	No tire chain laws.
Georgia	Tire chains required when posted on signage.
Hawaii	No tire chain laws.
Idaho	Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 30. Chains are allowed as needed and required on some mountain passes.
Illinois	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Indiana	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions. Studded tires are permitted October 1 to May 1.
Iowa	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Kansas	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Kentucky	May not be used unless the road is ice-covered or the vehicle has an ice shoe at least 6 inches wide. Limit on diameter and spacing.
Louisiana	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Maine	Allowed when required during certain times of year due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Maryland	Required when a snow emergency has been declared, but not allowed on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs.
Massachusetts	Permitted when necessary from November 1 to May 1.
Michigan	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Minnesota	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Mississippi	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Missouri	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions. Not permitted April 1 to November 1.
Montana	Chains may be required year-round when a chain-up sign is posted.
Nebraska	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Nevada	Required on all vehicles over 10,000 pounds when posted.
New Hampshire	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
New Jersey	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
New Mexico	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
New York	Allowed when a snow emergency has been declared by the state or municipality.
North Carolina	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
North Dakota	Studded tires allowed between October 15 and April 15. Otherwise, tire chains are allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Ohio	Studded tires allowed between November 1 and April 15.
Oklahoma	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Oregon	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions from November 1 to March 31.
Pennsylvania	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions from November 1 to April 15.
Rhode Island	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
South Carolina	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
South Dakota	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Tennessee	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Texas	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions.
Utah	Allowed when posted or when road conditions warrant it.
Vermont	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions. Required in certain areas when posted.
Virginia	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions from October 15 to April 15.
Washington	Required on certain routes from November 1 to April 1. Check local laws and use chains when required.
West Virginia	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions from November 1 to April 15.
WisconsinWyoming	Allowed when required due to snow, rain, or other poor weather conditions. Chains may be required in extreme weather conditions.

Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview of tire chain laws in the U.S. Always consult official state transportation department websites for the most up-to-date and specific information.

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