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Rhode Island Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: In Rhode Island, studded tires are legal only from November 15 to April 1.

ConditionalVerified Jul 27, 2026

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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.

Official source: webserver.rilegislature.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Rhode Island

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 →
MassachusettsConditional
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.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →

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