Are studded tires legal in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows studded tires from November 2 through April 30.
The studded tire rule in Massachusetts
Allowed in season
Massachusetts allows studded tires from November 2 through April 30.
Massachusetts bars studded tires from May 1 through November 1 unless the Registrar approves them, which leaves the rest of the year open.
No studded tires shall be used between May 1st through November 1st, unless approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.540 CMR 21.03, Vehicle Inspection Procedures, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in Massachusetts
The dashed line marks today.
Exceptions to the Massachusetts rule
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may approve studs outside that window.
unless approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles540 CMR 21.03. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
The dashed line marks today.
- Rhode IslandAllowed in seasonNov 15 to Apr 1
- ConnecticutAllowed in seasonNov 15 to Apr 30
- New YorkAllowed in seasonOct 16 to Apr 30
- VermontNo seasonal dates
- New HampshireState vehicle code
Massachusetts studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from 540 CMR 21.03, Vehicle Inspection Procedures 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.