Are studded tires legal in Maine?
Maine allows studded tires from October 2 through April 30.
The studded tire rule in Maine
Allowed in season
Maine allows studded tires from October 2 through April 30.
Maine bars tires with metal studs from May 1 to October 1, so studs are legal the rest of the year.
Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3, from the first day of May to the first day of October, a person may not operate a vehicle with tires having metal studs, wires, spikes or other metal protruding from the tire tread.29-A M.R.S. §1919, Studded tires, Maine Legislature, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire fee
A special case permit for use outside the season carries a fee set by the Commissioner of Transportation within a range in the statute.
The fee for a permit may not be less than $3 and not more than $15, as determined by the commissioner.29-A M.R.S. §1919, Studded tires, Maine Legislature. Read it at the source
Extending the window
The Commissioner of Transportation may extend the use period, or issue a permit in a special case for stated periods.
A person may use studded tires for periods other than those specified in subsection 1, if the Commissioner of Transportation extends the use period or, in a special case, issues a permit covering stated periods of time for the use of studded tires.29-A M.R.S. §1919, Studded tires, Maine Legislature. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in Maine
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Exceptions to the Maine rule
Fire department vehicles and school buses are exempt from the seasonal ban.
Subsection 1 does not apply to fire department vehicles or school buses.29-A M.R.S. §1919. Read it at the source
A permit holder must keep the permit easily reachable in or near the vehicle.
A person issued a permit under paragraph A must carry the permit in an easily accessible place in or about the vehicle.29-A M.R.S. §1919. Read it at the source
Other traction devices
Tires with retractable studs or cleats may be used all year, as long as they are not extended from May 1 to October 1.
Pneumatic tires that feature embedded blocks, studs, flanges, cleats, spikes or other protuberances that are retractable may be used any time of the year, except that the protuberances may not be engaged or extended from the first day of May to the first day of October.29-A M.R.S. §1919, Studded tires, Maine Legislature. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
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- New HampshireState vehicle code
Maine studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from 29-A M.R.S. §1919, Studded tires, Maine Legislature 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.