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Connecticut Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: In Connecticut, studded tires — "tires incorporating a metal nonskid device" — are allowed only from November 15 through April 30, inclusive.

ConditionalVerified Jul 28, 2026

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In Connecticut, studded tires — "tires incorporating a metal nonskid device" — are allowed only from November 15 through April 30, inclusive. Outside that window, no metal part of a wheel or tire may contact the road surface while the vehicle is in motion. Exempt are authorized emergency vehicles, road-making machinery, agricultural tractors crossing a highway, and trucks and trailers operating under a DOT commissioner permit. A first offense is an infraction; a subsequent offense is a fine of up to $200. See C.G.S. Sec. 14-98.

Official source: cga.ct.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Connecticut

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

MassachusettsConditional
Studded tires are legal in Massachusetts only from November 1 through April 30. They're prohibited between May 1 and November 1, though the registrar may allow them early. See Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, s. 16.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
New YorkConditional
Studded tires are legal in New York only from October 16 through April 30; outside that window they are prohibited. See N.Y. Veh. and Traf. Law 375 and the New York DMV.
Verified Oct 8, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandConditional
In Rhode Island, studded tires are legal only from November 15 to April 1. Studs must be flat-headed and project no more than one-sixteenth inch (1/16") beyond the tread of the traction surface; outside that window no non-rubber protuberance may project beyond the tread. Tire chains are permitted any time safety requires them due to snow, ice or skid conditions. The fine is $100. See R.I. Gen. Laws 31-23-20; the fine schedule is 31-41.1-4.
Verified Jul 27, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →

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