Are studded tires legal in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island allows studded tires from November 15 through April 1.
The studded tire rule in Rhode Island
Allowed in season
Rhode Island allows studded tires from November 15 through April 1.
Rhode Island allows tires with flat headed studs that stick out one sixteenth of an inch or less from November 15 to April 1.
(1) It shall be permissible to use tires with flat-headed studs projecting one-sixteenth inch (1/16") or less beyond the tread of the traction surface from the fifteenth day of November to the first day of April;Protuberances on tires, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-20, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in Rhode Island
The dashed line marks today.
Exceptions to the Rhode Island rule
Studs must be flat headed and project no more than one sixteenth of an inch beyond the tread.
tires with flat-headed studs projecting one-sixteenth inch (1/16") or less beyond the tread of the traction surfaceR.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-20. Read it at the source
Farm machinery may use tires with protuberances that will not injure the highway.
(2) It shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highwayR.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-20. Read it at the source
Rhode Island’s chain law
Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle when snow, ice or other conditions make skidding likely.
(3) It shall be permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-20, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
The dashed line marks today.
- ConnecticutAllowed in seasonNov 15 to Apr 30
- MassachusettsAllowed in seasonNov 2 to Apr 30
Rhode Island studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from Protuberances on tires, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-23-20 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.