Are studded tires legal in West Virginia?
West Virginia allows studded tires from November 1 through April 15.
The studded tire rule in West Virginia
Allowed in season
West Virginia allows studded tires from November 1 through April 15.
West Virginia allows studded tires from November 1 to April 15, but not on tires rated for more than 40 psi except on school buses.
(3) it shall be permissible to use studded tires during the period from November 1 of each year until April 15 of the following year:Tire equipment restrictions; rules and regulations as to certain tires, W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire season 2026-27 in West Virginia
The dashed line marks today.
Exceptions to the West Virginia rule
Outside school buses, no vehicle may run studded tires whose recommended air pressure is above 40 pounds per square inch.
Provided , That in the interest of highway maintenance, no vehicle moved on a highway, other than school buses, shall be equipped with studded tires which are operational with a recommended air pressure greater than 40 pounds per square inch.W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37. Read it at the source
Farm machinery may use protuberances that will not injure the highway.
(1) It shall be permissible to use farm machinery with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway;W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37. Read it at the source
West Virginia’s chain law
Tire chains of reasonable size are allowed on any vehicle when snow, ice or other conditions make skidding likely.
(2) 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;W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source
Studded tire windows in neighbouring states
The dashed line marks today.
- OhioAllowed in seasonNov 1 to Apr 15
- PennsylvaniaAllowed in seasonNov 1 to Apr 15
- MarylandRestrictedNov 1 to Mar 31
- VirginiaAllowed in seasonOct 15 to Apr 15
- KentuckyChain law
West Virginia studded tire questions
Compiled September 22, 2026 from Tire equipment restrictions; rules and regulations as to certain tires, W. Va. Code § 17C-15-37 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.