Are studded tires legal in Alaska?
Alaska allows studded tires from September 16 through April 30.
The studded tire rule in Alaska
Allowed in season
Alaska allows studded tires from September 16 through April 30.
Alaska bans studded tires on paved roads in summer, so they are legal from September 16 through April 30 in the statute's northern zone and from October 1 through April 14 in its southern zone.
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved highway or road from May 1 through September 15, inclusive, north of 60 North Latitude and from April 15 through September 30, inclusive, south of 60 North LatitudeOperation of vehicle with certain tires prohibited, AS 28.35.155, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire fee
A special individual traction permit lets an owner run studs or chains at any time; its fee is one third of the vehicle's biennial registration fee.
Upon application, a special individual traction permit may be issued by the Department of Administration allowing the operation of a motor vehicle with studded tires or chains at any time at the discretion of the vehicle owner. The fee for the special individual permit is one-third of the biennial registration fee applicable to that class of vehicle under AS 28.10.421 .Operation of vehicle with certain tires prohibited, AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
Extending the window
The commissioner of public safety adds legal periods by emergency order when seasonal or weather conditions are unusual.
The commissioner of public safety shall by emergency order provide for additional lawful operating periods based on unusual seasonal or weather conditions.Operation of vehicle with certain tires prohibited, AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in Alaska
The dashed line marks today.
Exceptions to the Alaska rule
In the southern zone the summer ban runs April 15 through September 30, so studs are legal October 1 through April 14.
from April 15 through September 30, inclusive, south of 60 North LatitudeAS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
On paved parts of the Sterling Highway the northern zone dates apply wherever you are.
at any latitude on a paved portion of the Sterling Highway a person may not operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached from May 1 through September 15, inclusive.AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
DOT&PF says the Municipality of Anchorage does not allow studs inside its limits until October 1.
The Municipality of Anchorage prohibits studded tires until October 1st within city limits, though state law allows them starting September 16th north of 60° latitude.AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
Studs may protrude no more than a quarter inch.
"studded tire" means a tire with metal studs or spikes imbedded in the periphery of the tire surface, and protruding not more than one-fourth inch from the tire surface.AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
Other traction devices
State regulation allows tire chains when snow or ice makes skidding likely, and studs designed not to substantially injure the road.
(2) tire chains when required for safety because of snow, ice or other conditions which may cause a vehicle to skid; or (3) pneumatic tires having studs designed to improve traction without substantially injuring the surface of the highway; however, their use may be limited to certain months or types of vehicles, or both.Operation of vehicle with certain tires prohibited, AS 28.35.155. Read it at the source
Alaska’s chain law
Alaska has no chain requirement law; the same statute bans chains on paved roads during the summer dates that apply to studs.
It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved highway or road from May 1 through September 15, inclusiveAS 28.35.155, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
Alaska shares no border with another state, so these are the nearest states in the lower 48 on the drive south.
The dashed line marks today.
- WashingtonAllowed in seasonNov 1 to Mar 31
- IdahoAllowed in seasonOct 1 to Apr 30
- MontanaAllowed in seasonOct 1 to May 31
- OregonAllowed in seasonNov 1 to Mar 31
Alaska studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from Operation of vehicle with certain tires prohibited, AS 28.35.155 and the other sources linked beside each quote. Statutes change between winters, and a transportation department can extend a window where its statute allows, so the linked source is the one to check before a trip. Every state is in the studded tire laws by state table.