Winter weather is here, do you know when you should chain your tires? During September 1st and May 1st, each state throughout the United States has its own set of rules regarding snow tire chains. Be sure you know these rules when driving through these states because if not, you could receive a fine ranging from $50 - $500. Tire Chain Laws Per State
State-by-State Chain Laws
Each state has its laws regarding tire chains during winter weather. Below are these laws for each state.
The following states require tire snow chains when snow, ice, or other dangerous road conditions are present:
Alabama: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Alaska: Chain laws vary by time of year and location. Special permits can be obtained in prohibited areas.
Arizona: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Arkansas: Allowed during certain times of the year when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
California: Tire chain controls can be established in the mountain areas. Be sure to follow signs that are posted along the highway. Drivers must have at least eight chains to be compliant with the regulations.
Colorado: You can carry tire chains in certain areas from September 1st to May 31st. To avoid fines, be sure to check the local laws and use chains when required.
Connecticut: Studded and chain tires can be used November 15th to April 30th.
Delaware: Chains can be used when needed from October 15th to April 15th.
Florida: There is no tire chain laws in place.
Georgia: Tire chains are needed when there are signs posted.
Hawaii: There is no tire chain laws in place.
Idaho: Studded tires can be used from October 1st to April 30th. Chains are allowed to be used when needed and required on some mountain areas.
Illinois: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Indiana: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Iowa: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Kansas: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Kentucky: Can not be used unless the road is covered in ice or your vehicle has an ice shoe of at least 6 inches wide. There is a limit on the diameter and spacing.
Louisiana: Allowed when required for rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Maine: Allowed during certain times of the year because of rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions. Wires, studs, and spikes are not allowed unless during May 1st to October 1st.
Maryland: Required when there is a snow emergency but not allowed on vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
Massachusetts: Allowed when needed from November 1st to May 1st.
Michigan: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Minnesota: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Mississippi: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Missouri: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions. Not allowed from April 1st to November 1st.
Montana: Chains are often required when a chain-up sign is posted – vehicles are required to carry chains in their vehicles from October 1st to April 1st when noted.
Nebraska: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Nevada: Required on vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds and when posted.
New Hampshire: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
New Jersey: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
New Mexico: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
New York: Allowed from October 16th to April 30th when required.
North Carolina: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
North Dakota: Studded tires can be used from October 15th to April 15th. Otherwise, tire chains can be used when required because of rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Ohio: Studded tires can be used from November 1st to April 15th. Tire chains cannot be used within the state.
Oklahoma: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Oregon: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions. Be sure to note the signs for requirements.
Pennsylvania: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Rhode Island: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
South Carolina: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
South Dakota: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Tennessee: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Texas: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Utah: Can be used during October 1st to April 30th when road conditions warrant it or signs are posted.
Vermont: Required in certain areas when posted, otherwise allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Virgina: Allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Washington: Be sure to check your local laws and use chains when required. Chains may be required on certain routes from November 1st to April 1st.
West Virgina: Chains are not allowed to come into direct contact with the road, otherwise they are allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Wisconsin: Chains are not allowed to come into direct contact with the road, otherwise they are allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Wyoming: Chains may be required in extreme winter weather conditions. However, they are allowed when required from rain, snow, or other unfavorable weather conditions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Commercial drivers should have tire chains with at least two drive wheels on opposite sides of the drive axle. Also, if you violate any of these laws, you can be fined up to $250. If you cause a road obstruction because you did not follow these laws, you can be fined up to $750.
When you are driving through different states during winter weather, first and foremost, be safe – but also make sure you are prepared for the state's laws.