California Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: California allows metal studded tires only from November 1 through April 30.

ConditionalVerified Jun 20, 2026

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California allows metal studded tires only from November 1 through April 30. Retractable studs are allowed year-round. See Cal. Veh. Code 27454.

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Studded Tires in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaConditional
Arizona allows metal studded tires only from October 1, 2026 to May 1, 2027. Ariz. Rev. Stat. 28-958 writes this as a recurring annual window beginning the first day of October and ending the first day of May, dated here for the current season. Studs must be of tungsten carbide or other suitable material and may not contact more than 3% of the total tire area in contact with the roadway under any conditions. The statute lists no exemption from the seasonal window.
Verified Oct 3, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaConditional
Studded tires are legal in Nevada only from October 1 through April 30. They're prohibited the rest of the year. See Nev. Rev. Stat. 484D.510.
Verified Jul 22, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
OregonConditional
Studded tires are legal in Oregon only from November 1 through March 31; outside that window, using tires with metal studs on a highway is a Class C traffic violation under Or. Rev. Stat. 815.160. ODOT may shorten or lengthen the period in areas it designates. Exemptions include tires with retractable studs, emergency vehicles and ambulances in an emergency, and school buses with a loaded weight of 10,000 pounds or more. See Or. Rev. Stat. 815.160 and 815.165 and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Verified Oct 17, 2026 · Source: oregon.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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