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North Carolina Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Permitted: Studded snow tires are permitted year-round in North Carolina.

PermittedVerified Jun 20, 2026

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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.

Official source: ncleg.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering North Carolina

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

GeorgiaConditional
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. …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: legis.ga.gov · Full Georgia 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 →
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 →

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