Ohio Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: Studded tires are legal in Ohio only from November 1 through April 15.

ConditionalVerified Jun 20, 2026

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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.

Official source: codes.ohio.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering Ohio

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

IndianaConditional
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.
Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: faqs.in.gov · Full Indiana 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 →
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 →
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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