Regulations
Navigating Winter Roads: Understanding Tire Chain Laws Across the U.S.
As winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, the excitement of snowy adventures calls many to hit the road. However, winter driving can be treacherous, with icy roads challenging even experienced drivers. To enhance safety, many states enforce tire chain laws to help motorists travel safely through snow and ice.
Understanding Tire Chain Laws
Tire chains, also called snow chains, are metal devices that wrap around tires to improve traction on icy surfaces. While not mandatory in every state, they are essential for driving in areas with heavy snowfall. Tire chain laws vary across states, with some requiring chains in specific conditions, while others only during severe weather.
Be Prepared for Winter Driving
Before setting out on a winter trip, it’s crucial to check the tire chain regulations for the states you plan to visit. By understanding these laws, drivers can ensure safer journeys for themselves and others.
What is AutoSock?
AutoSock is an innovative, textile-based traction device that provides a lightweight, easy-to-use alternative to traditional tire chains. delivers superior grip on snow and ice while being quicker to install and easier to store. It’s ideal for drivers looking for efficiency and safety on winter roads.
Explore State-Specific Laws
AutoSock is approved in all states with traction requirements. Use the dropdowns below to check specific regulations for your next winter journey and ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right traction device.
At McGee Company, we offer a full range of tire chains, studs, and AutoSock to help you stay safe on winter roads. Whether you’re an experienced winter driver or just starting, having the right traction device is key to a smooth and secure journey.
AutoSock is the only textile traction device approved in all states with traction laws!
In the US, AutoSock is approved in every state with chain laws with weights even beyond 10,000 lbs (they are used on semis regularly) all the way up through five-plus axle vehicles. Check with your state regulations below to see what tires need to be covered to meet requirements.
AutoSock has retailed in partnership or with approval from Volvo, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, NIO, Jaguar, Land Rover, Nissan, Seat, Linde, DAF Trucks, and many more.
Orange indicates approval for the according US state.
Trusted Nationwide – AutoSock Textile Chains are Approved by USDOT
Our snow socks are in compliance with chain laws across all US states with tractions laws for your peace of mind.
What are the specific regulations for your state?
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
California has approved AutoSock as an alternative traction device to chains except if/when DOT determines that chains are required and no other traction device will suffice.
Here is the approval from the Highway Patrol and DOT: CHP Traction and Chain Requirements.
Caltrans official wording from their site approves traction devices but more information is available PDF above.
California DOT: https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls
TYPES OF CHAIN CONTROLS:
During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. When chain controls are established, signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement. There are three requirements in California.
Requirement One (R1): Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.
Requirement Two (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
Requirement Three (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
SNOW-TREAD TIRES:
The California vehicle code section 558 defines a snow-tread tire as follows, ” A ‘Snow-tread tire’ is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern”. Snow-tread tires can be identified by examining the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the words MUD AND SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall.
Tire Traction Devices:
The California vehicle code section 605 defines tire traction devices as follows: ” Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form.”
If you would like to view a full version of the California Vehicle Code it can be located at the following location, under California Law: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
The Department of Transportation does not sell nor recommend specific brands of tire chains. It is best to check your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for use of tire chains/traction devices.
CDOT has approved AutoSock as the first named alternative traction device to chains that is accepted within the state for both commercial and passenger vehicles. For more information, check out their site: Passenger or Truck. PDF visual chart with winter tips for Colorado Chain Laws. Colorado recently updated the passenger traction and chain laws.
Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)
Approved ATDs in Colorado are wheel sanders, which carry enough sand to get the vehicle through the restricted area; pneumatically driven chains, which spin under the drive wheels automatically as traction is lost; and textile traction device (TTD), a fabric boot which encompasses the tire. Currently, the only TTD that has been approved for use on Colorado state highways is the AutoSock for both commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles.
Colorado’s chain law was enacted in 1996. It applies to all interstate, federal and state highways. It includes two levels for commercial vehicles:
Chain Law Level 1 requires all single drive axle combinations commercial vehicles to chain up. All four drive wheels must be chained; cables are not permitted as an alternate traction device. All other commercial vehicles must have snow tires or chains. Level 1 may be implemented any time there is snow covering any part of the traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade.
Chain Law Level 2 requires all commercial vehicles to chain up. Auto transports must comply to the extent possible without causing damage to hydraulic lines. Buses must chain two drive wheels to comply. Level 2 may be implemented any time there is snow covering the entire traveled portion of pavement on an ascending grade or when driving conditions dictate this level is necessary to protect safety and minimize closures.
The alternate traction control device known as the AutoSock™ remains an approved device in Colorado. Commercial vehicles (both single and double-axle) exceeding 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight or vehicles carrying 16 passengers or more have the option of using AutoSock™ rather than chains. This traction control device is a fabric that slips over a vehicle’s outer driving wheels, providing extra traction on snowy and icy roads. It also can be installed over the tire in less time than traditional chains.
Passenger Vehicle Traction Law: All motorists are required to either have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or (for two-wheel drive vehicles) snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. Tread depth on all tires must be at least 3/16″ regardless of vehicle type. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must carry chain devices or alternative traction devices. The law focuses on passenger vehicles, as commercial vehicles have their own restrictions. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required traction equipment. Violators will be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.
Passenger Vehicle Chain Law: All passenger vehicles weighing less than 16,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must have tire chains or alternate traction devices (ATD) installed on two or more drive tires. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required chain/ATD equipment installed. Violators will be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
AutoSock is approved as an alternative traction device to chains within this state based on its performance.
Georgia chain requirements:
Operators of commercial vehicles (other than buses) with four or more drive wheels traveling on a road declared as limited access due to inclement winter weather conditions shall affix tire chains to at least four of the drive wheel tires… Tire chains are defined by OCGA § 32-6-5 as metal chains which consist of two circular metal loops, positioned on each side of a tire, connected by not less than nine evenly spaced chains across the tire tread or any other traction devices capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of such metal chains under similar conditions.
Georgia Tire Chain Requirements from www.dps.georgia.gov.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. Montana has approved AutoSock as an alternative traction device to chains.
“When the department of transportation determines tire chains or traction equipment are required, it applies to all towing units on the driver wheels of one axle. Autosocks are an approved alternative to tire chains. Where tire chains may be required, designated chain-up and chain removal areas are provided.” Ref: MCA 61-9-406
Studded winter tires are permitted in Montana from October 1 to May 31 of the following year, except that one of those tires may be used for a spare in case of tire failure. School buses equipped with such tires are permitted from August 15 to June 15 of the following year. Ref: MCA 61-9-406
Between October 1 and April 30 of the following year, towing units 26,001 GVW or greater must carry tire chains or an approved traction device when traveling in an area where tire chains may be required. Ref: MCA 61-9-436
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
As of 10/29/2014, AutoSock is officially approved in Nevada as an alternative traction device.
For more information, please check out Nevada’s DOT page:
“Alternative Traction Devices”:
Nevada recently approved the use of alternative traction devices consisting of durable traction-enhancing fabric or plastic encompassing the circumference of a tire tread and secured to both sides of the wheel.
These traction devices are manufactured and made of synthetic materials which includes fabrics or plastics and have a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow, ice-covered or slippery surfaces. Alternative traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles and at the time of manufacture or final assembly, shall bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
AutoSock is approved as an alternative traction device to chains within this state based on its performance in keeping vehicles from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
“Chains” include link chains, cable chains, or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle or outside of the tire that is specifically designed to increase traction on ice and snow conditions. More information from Oregon’s DOT trip check.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
AutoSock meets Utah’s standard as an alternative traction device to chains and is approved.
When any designated highway is restricted, no vehicle will be allowed or permitted to use the highway, between October 1 and April 30, or when the Utah Department of Transportation determines conditions warrant, unless the vehicle is equipped with either: steel link chains or have chains in possession; mounted snow tires; (tires with an M/S designation with or without studs); elastomeric tire chains, designed for use with radial tires; or four-wheel drive vehicles with a minimum of two mounted snow tires.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
The Vermont Statutes Online:
Title 23 : Motor Vehicles
Chapter 013 : Operation Of Vehicles
Subchapter 001 : General Provisions
(Cite as: 23 V.S.A. § 1006c)
§ 1006c. Chain requirements for vehicles with weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds(b) The Secretary of Transportation, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or the Commissioner of Public Safety, or their designees, may require the use of tire chains on specified portions of State highways during periods of winter weather for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds.(d) Under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25, the Traffic Committee may adopt such rules as are necessary to administer this section and may delegate this authority to the Secretary.(1) Solo vehicles. A vehicle not towing another vehicle:(B) that has a tandem-drive axle shall have chains on:(ii) if both axles are powered by the drive line, on one tire on each side of each drive axle.(A) that has a single-drive axle towing a trailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the drive axle and one tire on the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer;(C) that has a tandem-drive axle towing a trailer shall have:(ii) chains on one tire of the front axle and one tire on one of the rear axles of the trailer;(i) chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and(f) Either the operator of a vehicle required to be chained under this section who fails to affix chains as required herein, or the operator’s employer, shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.00. If the violation results in substantially impeding the flow of traffic on a highway, the penalty shall be $2,000.00. For a second or subsequent conviction within a three-year period, the penalty shall be doubled. (Added 2009, No. 50, § 71; amended 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 69.)
(ii) chains on two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer.
(D) that has a tandem-drive axle towing a semitrailer shall have:
(i) chains on two tires on each side of the primary drive axle, or if both axles of the vehicle are powered by the drive line, one tire on each side of each drive axle; and
(B) that has a single-drive axle towing a semitrailer shall have chains on two tires on each side of the drive axle and two tires, one on each side, of any axle of the semitrailer;
(2) Vehicles with semitrailers or trailers. A vehicle towing one or more semitrailers or trailers:
(i) two tires on each side of the primary drive axle; or
(A) that has a single-drive axle shall have chains on one tire on each side of the drive axle; or
(e) When signs are posted and chains required in accordance with this section, chains shall be affixed as follows on vehicles with a GVWR or a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds:
(c) When tire chains are required, advance notice shall be given to the traveling public through signage and, whenever possible, through public service announcements. In areas where tire chains are required, there shall be an adequate area for vehicles to pull off the traveled way to affix any chains that might be required.
(a) As used in this section, “chains” means link chains, cable chains, or another device that attaches to a vehicle’s tire or wheel or to the vehicle itself and is designed to augment the traction of the vehicle under conditions of snow or ice.
Approved in Washington. AutoSock is approved for use in Washington as an alternative to chains. For more information check out Washington State Patrol: https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Alternative-Traction-devices-April-1024×626.png
https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/tiresandchains#traction-and-chain-requirements
For passenger cars the following alternative traction device is approved: AutoSock
For Vehicles or vehicle combinations over 10,000 pounds: AutoSock
With five or fewer axles: AutoSock
With six or more axles: AutoSock is the only currently approved ATD.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Approved. AutoSock is approved in this state as an alternative traction device to chains, based on its excellent performance keeping vehicles safe from getting stuck in adverse conditions.
Wyoming has approved AutoSock as an alternative traction device to chains. Wyoming DOT: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/chainlaw
AutoSock falls under section (k) of WS 31-5-956 and Testing has proved that in evaluating the overall traction capability, Autosock exceeds the traction provided by tire chains.
“(k) As used in this section, “tire chains” means metal chains which consist of two (2) circular metal loops, one (1) on each side of the tire, connected by not less than nine (9) evenly spaced chains across the tire tread and any other traction devices differing from metal chains in construction, material or design but capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of metal chains under similar conditions.”