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Georgia Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: In Georgia, safety metal spike studs are permitted only when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-74); tire chains of reasonable proportions are allowed on the same terms.

ConditionalVerified Jul 30, 2026

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In Georgia, safety metal spike studs are permitted only when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid (O.C.G.A. § 40-8-74); tire chains of reasonable proportions are allowed on the same terms. Otherwise, no tire moved on a highway may carry any block, stud, flange, cleat, spike or other non-rubber protuberance projecting beyond the tread. Farm machinery with protuberances that will not injure the highway is also exempt. The Code section sets no penalty, and Georgia assigns no license points for this offense.

Official source: legis.ga.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Georgia

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

AlabamaConditional
Alabama allows metal studded or safety-spike tires (and tire chains) of reasonable proportions only when required for safety because of snow, rain, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to slide or skid. Otherwise, tire studs, spikes, cleats, or other non-rubber protuberances projecting beyond the tread are prohibited. See Ala. Code § 32-5-210(b).
Verified Jul 24, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →
FloridaConditional
In Florida, only roughened or rubber studs that do not injure the highway are allowed — metal studs are prohibited. See Fla. Stat. 316.299.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: leg.state.fl.us · Full Florida rule →
North CarolinaPermitted
Studded snow tires are permitted year-round in North Carolina. Studs may project no more than 1/16 inch beyond the tread. See N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-122.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
South CarolinaPermitted
Studded tires are legal year-round in South Carolina — there's no seasonal limit — as long as studs project no more than 1/16 inch when compressed. See S.C. Code 56-5-5040.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeConditional
Studded tires are legal in Tennessee only from October 1 through April 15. They're not allowed on vehicles over 9,000 pounds, except school and emergency vehicles. See Tenn. Code 55-9-106.
Verified Aug 3, 2026 · Source: law.justia.com · Full Tennessee rule →

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