Are studded tires legal in Tennessee?

Yes, within a season. Tennessee allows studded tires from October 1 through April 15. Tenn. Code Ann. 55-9-106 reads: "A person may operate on a highway a vehicle equipped with a tire that has imbedded in it wire or other material for improving traction on snow and ice during the period of October 1 through April 15 of each year."

From October 1. For the 2026-27 season that is Thursday, October 1, 2026, and the window runs through Thursday, April 15, 2027.

April 15 is the last day of the window, which for 2026-27 is Thursday, April 15, 2027.

Vehicles over 9,000 pounds may not use studs at all, unless the vehicle is a school bus or an emergency vehicle.

Tire chains of reasonable size may be used on any vehicle when snow or ice makes them necessary for safety. The statute reads: "It is permissible to use tire chains of reasonable proportions on any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other condition tending to cause a vehicle to skid."

Virginia, October 15 through April 15; North Carolina, no seasonal dates; Mississippi, barred; Arkansas, November 15 through April 15; Missouri, November 1 through March 31. Each state's page quotes its own statute.