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Illinois Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Restricted: Illinois prohibits studded tires. They're allowed from November 15 through April 1 only for rural mail carriers or disabled-plate owners in unincorporated areas.

RestrictedVerified Jun 20, 2026

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Illinois prohibits studded tires. They're allowed from November 15 through April 1 only for rural mail carriers or disabled-plate owners in unincorporated areas. See 625 ILCS 5/12-405.

Official source: ilga.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Illinois

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

IndianaConditional
Studded tires are legal in Indiana only from October 1 through May 1. Tires with retractable studs may be used year-round if the studs stay retracted outside that window. See Ind. Code 9-19-18-3.
Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: faqs.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
IowaConditional
Studded tires are legal in Iowa only from November 1 through April 1, with studs no more than 1/16 inch. The rest of the year they're prohibited, except on school buses and fire trucks. See Iowa Code 321.442.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Metal studded tires are legal year-round in Kentucky — no statute prohibits them. Kentucky's vehicle-equipment law (KRS Ch. 189) has no studded-tire ban.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MissouriConditional
Metal or carbide studded tires are legal in Missouri only from November 1 through March 31. They're prohibited from April 1 to November 1. See Mo. Rev. Stat. 307.171.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
WisconsinRestricted
Wisconsin prohibits studded tires for residents. They're allowed only on emergency, school, and mail vehicles, and on out-of-state cars passing through for no more than 30 days. See Wis. Stat. 347.45.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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