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Pennsylvania Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: Studded tires are legal in Pennsylvania only from November 1 through April 15, with studs projecting no more than 2/32 inch beyond the tread of the traction surface; outside that window their use is unlawful, and the Governor may extend the period by executive order when highway conditions warrant.

ConditionalVerified Oct 16, 2026

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Studded tires are legal in Pennsylvania only from November 1 through April 15, with studs projecting no more than 2/32 inch beyond the tread of the traction surface; outside that window their use is unlawful, and the Governor may extend the period by executive order when highway conditions warrant. Tire chains may be used temporarily during snow and ice emergencies under department regulations. See 75 Pa.C.S. 4525 and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

Official source: legis.state.pa.us →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Pennsylvania

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

DelawareConditional
Delaware allows studded tires only from October 15 through April 15; outside that window they are prohibited. See Del. Code tit. 21, 4302.
Verified Oct 15, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
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 →
New JerseyConditional
Studded tires are legal in New Jersey only from November 15 through April 1. They're prohibited the rest of the year. See N.J. Admin. Code 13:20-33.19, under N.J.S.A. 39:3-72.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: nj.gov · Full New Jersey 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 →
OhioConditional
Studded tires are legal in Ohio only from November 1 through April 15. They're prohibited the rest of the year. See Ohio Rev. Code 5589.081.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
West VirginiaConditional
Studded tires are legal in West Virginia only from November 1 through April 15; outside that window a tire on a vehicle moved on a highway may not carry any stud or other non-rubber protuberance projecting beyond the tread. Studded tires on vehicles other than school buses may not be operated at a recommended air pressure greater than 40 pounds per square inch. Tire chains of reasonable proportions are allowed whenever snow, ice or other skid conditions require them. See W. Va. Code 17C-15-37.
Verified Oct 16, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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