← District of Columbia driving laws›Studded Tires

District of Columbia Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: The District of Columbia allows studded snow tires only from October 15 through April 15; outside that window they are prohibited.

ConditionalVerified Oct 10, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

The District of Columbia allows studded snow tires only from October 15 through April 15; outside that window they are prohibited. Studs may not project more than 1/8 inch. See the DC DMV and 18 DCMR vehicle equipment rules.

Official source: dcregs.dc.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering District of Columbia

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

MarylandConditional
In Maryland, studded tires are allowed only from November 1 through March 31, and only on vehicles registered in Allegany, Garrett, Frederick, Washington, or Carroll counties; they're prohibited statewide otherwise. See Md. Transp. 22-405.2.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaConditional
Studded tires are legal in Virginia from October 15 through April 15 for most vehicles, with studs no more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread covering no more than 3% of the traction surface, on vehicles of 10,000 pounds or less; outside that window they are prohibited except for the vehicles section 46.2-1044 exempts. …
Verified Oct 15, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind District of Columbia vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.