Chain Laws by State

Alabama

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Alaska

Allowed in certain areas No time limitations

Arizona

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Arkansas

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

California

Required When signs requiring chains are posted on the highway At least 8 chains for a standard tractor-trailer Between $25 and $250

Colorado

Required From September 1 to May 314 tire chains, 4 AutoSocks, 4 tire cables $50 for not having chains in the truck, between $500 and $1,000 for not putting chains on when required

Connecticut

Allowed From November 15 to April 30

Delaware

AllowedFrom October 15 to April 15

Florida

No chain laws

Georgia

Required When signs requiring chains are posted on the highway At least 4Up to $1,000

Hawaii

No chain laws

Idaho

Required on some mountain passes Signs are posted when chains are required At least

Indiana

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Illinois

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Iowa

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Kansas

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Kentucky

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Louisiana

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Maine

Allowed all year except from May 1 to October 1 Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Maryland

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Massachusetts

Allowed all year except from May 1 to November 1 Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Michigan

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Minnesota

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Mississippi

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Missouri

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Montana

Required When Montana DOT posts notices requiring chains As many as are needed to chain all driver wheels $250 for non-compliance; $750 if non-compliance results in lane closure

Nebraska

AllowedSlippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Nevada

RequiredWhen signs are postedAt least two. More necessary for braking wheels of a trailing vehicle $50 to $250; more if non-compliance causes an accident

New Hampshire

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

New Jersey

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

New Mexico

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

New York

Required When signs are posted No legal mandates

North Carolina

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

North Dakota

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Ohio

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Oklahoma

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Oregon

Required When signs are posted requiring the use of chains Six chains Minimum $880

Pennsylvania

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Rhode Island

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

South Carolina

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

South Dakota

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Tennessee

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Texas

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Utah

Required When highways are restricted due to adverse road conditions. These restrictions may be imposed between October 1 and April 30 At least fourClass B Misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 or six months in jail

Vermont

Required When Vermont's traffic committee determines it is needful. Signs and PSAs will inform commercial drivers of the need to use tire chains. Four$1,000 minimum; double if non-compliance causes lane closure on a highway

Virginia

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Washington

Required in certain areas between November 1 and April 1 At least seven $500

West Virginia

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Wisconsin

Allowed Slippery conditions (i.e., snow, ice, rain)

Wyoming

Required when restrictions are in place on certain highways At least two $250 for failure to put on chains; $750 if failure results in lane closure

Bear in mind that even chained tires don't make driving in snow and ice 100% safe. In fact, some trucking companies urge truckers to pull over rather than chain the tires. Even so, it's important to know the chain laws in any state you travel through and carry the chains required by law even if you don't plan on using them. Chain laws, like other traffic laws, are in place to protect you and help you get to your destination safely.