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Maryland Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 23, 2026

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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.

Official source: mgaleg.maryland.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Maryland

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 →
District of ColumbiaConditional
The District of Columbia allows studded snow tires only from October 15 through April 15; outside that window they are prohibited. Studs may not project more than 1/8 inch. See the DC DMV and 18 DCMR vehicle equipment rules.
Verified Oct 10, 2026 · Source: dcregs.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
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).
Verified Oct 16, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania 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 →
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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