Maine Snow Tire Law

Studded snow tires are designed to give vehicles better handling and performance on snowy and icy conditions, but in dry conditions they can cause damage to unpaved roads. That's why the state of Maine decided to allow retractable studded tires under certain conditions.

Background

Maine is one of several Northeastern states with heavy snowfall and difficult, icy driving conditions during the winter that allow drivers to use studs, chains and other devices to enable safer driving. To prevent damage to roads when conditions are dry, Maine state law prohibits the use of studded tires during warmer months.

Retractable Studs

In 2008, Maine amended its law to allow drivers to install pneumatic tires with embedded blocks, studs, flanges, cleats, spikes or "other protuberances" that are retractable at any time of the year, as long as those features are disengaged from May 1 to Oct. 1.

Exceptions

Through an exception written into the law, fire department vehicles may use studded tires year-round, and school buses can use studded tires any time school is in session.

References

• Maine Legislature: Maine Revised Statutes; Title 29-A: MOTOR VEHICLES HEADING: PL 1993, C. 683, PT. A, §2 (NEW); PT. B, §5 (AFF).
• USA Today: New Snow Tires Protect Drivers, Roadways; Glenn Adams; March 2008.
• Tire-information-world.com: Tire Stud Regulations for Studded Winter Tires.