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Massachusetts Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: Studded tires are legal in Massachusetts only from November 1 through April 30.

ConditionalVerified Jun 20, 2026

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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.

Official source: malegislature.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Massachusetts

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

ConnecticutConditional
In Connecticut, studded tires — "tires incorporating a metal nonskid device" — are allowed only from November 15 through April 30, inclusive. …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshirePermitted
New Hampshire has no seasonal studded-tire ban, so studded tires are effectively legal year-round. Use is governed by Department of Safety tire rules. See N.H. RSA 266:48.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: gencourt.state.nh.us · Full New Hampshire 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 →
VermontPermitted
Studded tires are legal year-round in Vermont — there's no seasonal restriction on studs or cleats. See 23 V.S.A. 1092.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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