Are studded tires legal in Montana?
Montana allows studded tires from October 1 through May 31.
The studded tire rule in Montana
Allowed in season
Montana allows studded tires from October 1 through May 31.
Studded tires are legal in Montana from October 1 through May 31, with studs protruding no more than one sixteenth of an inch.
Except as provided in subsection (4), the use of pneumatic tires embedded as provided in this section is permitted only between October 1 and May 31 of each year, except that one of those tires may be used for a spare in case of tire failure.Restrictions as to tire equipment, particular tires, chains, or traction devices, MCA 61-9-406 (Montana Legislature), read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in Montana
The dashed line marks today.
Exceptions to the Montana rule
School buses may run studded tires from August 15 through the following June 15.
School buses equipped with such embedded pneumatic tires may operate from August 15 through the following June 15.MCA 61-9-406. Read it at the source
One studded tire may be carried as a spare outside the window.
except that one of those tires may be used for a spare in case of tire failure.MCA 61-9-406. Read it at the source
Embedded studs may not protrude more than one sixteenth of an inch beyond the tread.
that may not protrude more than one-sixteenth of an inch beyond the tire treadMCA 61-9-406. Read it at the source
Other traction devices
Retractable studs may be on the vehicle all year but may be extended only between October 1 and May 31. MDT names AutoSocks as an approved alternative to chains.
Pneumatic tires that feature an embedded block, stud, flange, cleat, spike, or other protuberance that is retractable may be used at any time of the year. However, the protuberance may not be engaged or extended other than between October 1 and May 31 of each year on roads that do not contain ice or snow.Restrictions as to tire equipment, particular tires, chains, or traction devices, MCA 61-9-406 (Montana Legislature). Read it at the source
Montana’s chain law
MDT can require tire chains in designated areas at any time of year. When it does, vehicles towing a trailer must chain the driver wheels of one axle, and heavy towing units must carry chains or an approved device from October 1 through April 30 in chain areas.
When the Department of Transportation determines tire chains or traction equipment are required, all vehicles towing a trailer (towing units) must apply chains to the driver wheels of one axle.Montana Tire and Chain Laws, Montana Department of Transportation, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
The dashed line marks today.
- IdahoAllowed in seasonOct 1 to Apr 30
- WyomingNo seasonal dates
- South DakotaAllowed in seasonOct 1 to Apr 30
- North DakotaAllowed in seasonOct 15 to Apr 15
Montana studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from Restrictions as to tire equipment, particular tires, chains, or traction devices, MCA 61-9-406 (Montana 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.