← West Virginia driving laws›Studded Tires

West Virginia Studded Tires Laws (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Oct 16, 2026

Vehicle rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

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.

Official source: code.wvlegislature.gov →

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

Studded Tires in states bordering West Virginia

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

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 →
MarylandConditional
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.
Verified Jul 23, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland 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 →
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 →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind West Virginia vehicle rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.