Survey Of States

This update of a survey of U.S. metal-studded snow tire regulations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia was compiled by the Tire Industry Safety Council and American Automobile Association. The latest survey reveals the following:

• Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia set seasonal restrictions for metal-studded snow tire use.

• Seven states have unrestricted use of metal-studded snow tires: Colorado, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming.

• Ten states prohibit metal-studded snow tires: Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland (except in five mountainous counties), Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The Council reminds drivers that when metal-studded snow tires are mounted on the front axle, they must also be placed on the rear axle for better handling and stability.

Since metal-studded snow tire regulations change frequently, check with local officials about legality in your area.

Alabama - Prohibited
Alaska - Sep 15 - May 1; South of 60 degrees - Sep 30 - Apr 15
Arizona - Oct 1 - May 1
Arkansas - Nov 15 - Apr 15
California - Nov 1 - Apr 1
Colorado - No Restrictions
Connecticut - Nov 15 - Apr 30
Delaware - Oct 15 - Apr 15
District of Columbia - Oct 15 - Apr 15
Florida - Prohibited
Georgia - Permitted only for driving on snow and/or ice
Hawaii - Prohibited
Idaho - Oct 1 - Apr 15
Illinois - Prohibited
Indiana - Oct 1 - May 1
Iowa - Nov 1 - Apr 1
Kansas - Nov 1 - Apr 15
Kentucky - No Restrictions
Louisiana - Prohibited
Maine - Oct 1-Apr 30
Maryland - Prohibited except in Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties Mar 31
Massachusetts - Nov 2 - Apr 30 unless otherwise authorized by registrar
Michigan - Nov 1 - Apr 1, Northern regions: Oct 1 - May 1
Minnesota - Prohibited except for nonresidents who are subject to restrictions imposed by their Reciprocity is granted. Full-time nonresident students employed within Minnesota permitted use of studded tires, regardless of vehicle registry
Mississippi - Prohibited
Missouri - Nov 1 - Mar 31
Montana - Oct 1 - May 1
Nebraska - Nov 1 - Apr 1 special permit issued by Dept of roads
Nevada - Oct 1 - Apr 30
New Hampshire - No Restrictions
New Jersey - Nov 15 - Apr 1
New Mexico - No Restrictions
New York - Oct 16 - Apr 30
North Carolina - No Restrictions
North Dakota - Oct 15 - Apr 15
Ohio - Nov 1 - Apr 15
Oklahoma - Nov 1 - Apr 1
Oregon - Nov 1 - Apr 30 unless specified differently by Dept of Transportation because of weather conditions
Pennsylvania - Nov 1 - Apr 15
Rhode Island - Nov 15 - Apr 1
South Carolina - Permitted for snow and ice driving if they do not protrude more than 1/16" from the tread
South Dakota - Oct 1 - Apr 30
Tennessee - Oct 1 - Apr 15
Texas - Prohibited
Utah - Oct 15 - Apr 15
Vermont - No Restrictions
Virginia - Oct 15 - Apr 15
Washington - Nov 2 - Mar 31
West Virginia - Nov 1 - Apr 15
Wisconsin - Not permitted except for cars with out of state registration (only if such car is passing through the state for a period of not more than 30 days
Wyoming - No Restrictions