Indiana Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: Studded tires are legal in Indiana only from October 1 through May 1.

ConditionalVerified Jul 26, 2026

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Studded tires are legal in Indiana only from October 1 through May 1. Tires with retractable studs may be used year-round if the studs stay retracted outside that window. See Ind. Code 9-19-18-3.

Official source: faqs.in.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Indiana

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

IllinoisRestricted
Illinois prohibits studded tires. They're allowed from November 15 through April 1 only for rural mail carriers or disabled-plate owners in unincorporated areas. See 625 ILCS 5/12-405.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Metal studded tires are legal year-round in Kentucky — no statute prohibits them. Kentucky's vehicle-equipment law (KRS Ch. 189) has no studded-tire ban.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganConditional
Michigan allows tire studs only if they're approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for pavement wear — and none qualify. The season is November 15 through April 1, or October 1 through May 1 in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. See MCL 257.710 and Michigan State Police guidance.
Verified Jun 20, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan 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 →

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