Where and When Can You Use Tire Studs?

Last year we posted a guide on tire studs as part of our new partnership with Bruno Wessel Inc., North America’s largest tire stud distributor. With winter getting closer, we felt that now was a good time to revisit the topic of tire studs and take a deeper dive on something we only touched on in our past article: state laws on the use of tire studs. It’s important to understand that in most parts of the United States, you can’t just put tire studs on a privately owned passenger vehicle whenever you want. Let's dive in. 
 

Why Restrictions on Studded Tires Exist

The reason why many states ban or restrict the use of studded tires is road maintenance. Although tire studs are great for enhancing traction when you have to drive on ice, they also take a toll on pavement. Designed to chip in to ice, the studs can chip into concrete, and over time leave ruts in the road that can fill up with water when it rains and cause a dangerous hydroplaning hazard.
 

Testing has shown that modern tire studs are much less damaging to pavement than the types used decades ago. Nevertheless, most states have laws on the books restricting the use of tire studs under the justification of preventing costly road repairs, either allowing studded tires during only part of the year or (in a few states) banning them completely.
 

Breaking Down State Tire Stud Laws

For your reference�"and to help you guide customers asking about tire studs�"here’s a quick overview of where and when studded tires are legal. Read the summary below, but always confirm with your local highway transportation department for the latest rules.
 

States With No Restrictions on Studded Tires

A small handful of states have no laws on the books regarding tire studs. Most of these states are in New England or the Mountain West where severe winter weather is common. The states that permit studded tires at any time are:

·         Colorado

·         Kentucky

·         New Hampshire
·         New Mexico

·         North Carolina

·         Vermont

·         Wyoming
 

States That Do Not Allow Studded Tires At Any Time

On the other hand, there are several states with a blanket ban on the use of tire studs. Although many of these states have warm climates, where tire studs would hardly ever be useful anyway, there are a few states with harsher winters that also prohibit tire studs. The states that generally ban tire studs include:

·         Alabama (rubber studs permitted)

·         Florida (non-damaging studs permitted)

·         Hawaii

·         Illinois

·         Louisiana

·         Maryland (in most counties)

·         Michigan

·         Mississippi

·         Minnesota

·         Texas

·         Wisconsin

Many of these states make exceptions for mail carrier vehicles in rural areas, but for ordinary passenger vehicles, tire studs are a no-go.
 

States That Allow Studded Tires Seasonally

The majority of U.S. states drive a middle route between banning tire studs at any time and allowing them at all times. These states have laws in place which allow passenger vehicles to use studded tires for part, but not all, of the year, corresponding with the season when drivers would be most likely to encounter icy conditions. These states include:

·         Alaska

·         Arizona

·         Arkansas

·         California

·         Connecticut

·         Delaware
·         Georgia (certain weather conditions apply)

·         Idaho

·         Indiana

·         Iowa

·         Kansas

·         Maine

·         Massachusetts

·         Missouri

·         Montana

·         Nebraska

·         Nevada

·         New Jersey

·         New York

·         North Dakota

·         Ohio

·         Oklahoma

·         Oregon

·         Pennsylvania

·         Rhode Island
·         South Carolina(certain weather conditions apply)

·         South Dakota

·         Tennessee

·         Utah

·         Virginia

·         Washington

·         West Virginia

The District of Columbia also allows tire studs seasonally.
 

The exact dates for when “tire stud season” begins and ends vary from state to state. Some states allow tire studs as early as October 1 and as late as the beginning of May. However, start dates of around November 1 and end dates around April 1 are more common. Look up the latest specific laws in your state before you install tire studs. 
 

Tire Stud Products from Rubber-Inc

If you’re in a state which allows tire studs year-round or seasonally and need to meet demand from your customers, Rubber-Inc is ready to help.
 

Our comprehensive line of Bruno Wessel Tire Studs includes the TSMI#11, TSMI#12, TSMI#13, TSMI#15, TSMI#16, and the TSMI#17. 
 

Additionally, we offer a range of essential tools and accessories, such as a tire stud insertion tool, a large stud feeder with motor, a mini-manual feeder, stud removal tool, and various repair kits. Click HERE to see the full range of Bruno Wessel tire stud products we offer.   
 

Thanks for reading and thanks for trusting Rubber-Inc as your industry partner.