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In areas where snow and ice are common on roads during the winter season (and sometimes the fall and spring seasons), driving conditions occasionally deteriorate to the point where average car tires are not enough to maintain safety for drivers. Snow tires and snow chains exist to improve traction and driving capability on snowy or icy roads.
There is, however, some confusion among drivers about the differences between snow chains and snow tires, and whether and when it’s recommended or mandated to have them in place. The following is a brief guide to answer those questions.
Snow tires come in two varieties: studless and with lightweight studs. Lightweight studs are metal studs embedded in the tread to grip the snow and ice. Studless tires use different rubber compounds and tread patterns instead of metal to enhance traction. They are more convenient than snow chains, as you put them on for the winter and don’t have to take them off till spring. It’s generally recommended to buy 4 snow tires as opposed to just having 2.
Average cost: $150-$200 per tire
Snow chains consist of a web of chains or cable that you put on your drive wheels (usually the front wheels) once you arrive in snow country. They improve traction as well as studded tires on ice and they’re generally more effective on snow than any type of snow tire. They could be seen as inconvenient, as you put them on and take them off throughout the winter, depending on road conditions. They are banned or discouraged in some locations due to their potential to deteriorate road surfaces.
Average cost: $50-$100 per set
Not every vehicle is automatically required to have snow tires and snow chains at all times during winter. Requirements typically depend on road conditions, posted signage, and state-specific transportation regulations. In many western states, such as Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, departments of transportation activate chain or traction requirements during severe weather events.
When highway signs state “chains required” or “traction devices required,” drivers must comply or risk fines and potential liability if they contribute to a crash. These temporary requirements are usually enforced in mountain passes, high-elevation highways, and rural corridors where snowpack and black ice create hazardous conditions.
Passenger vehicles under a certain weight rating are often permitted to use either:
However, commercial vehicles and large trucks are frequently subject to stricter rules. In Colorado, for example, commercial vehicles must carry chains during designated months, even when chains are not actively required. Similar regulations apply in Washington and Oregon on mountain routes.
It is also important to understand that all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles are not automatically exempt from snow chain laws. While these drivetrains improve acceleration in snowy conditions, they do not enhance braking performance on ice. Many states still require 4WD and AWD vehicles to carry snow chains when chain restrictions are posted.
A common misconception is that all-season tires are equivalent to snow tires. They are not.
All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in moderate conditions, including light rain and occasional cold temperatures. However, their rubber compounds harden in freezing weather, reducing grip. Snow tires (winter tires) are engineered specifically for cold-weather driving.
Understanding what qualifies as proper winter traction equipment can prevent confusion when road restrictions are activated.
Studded snow tires contain small metal studs embedded in the tread to increase grip on ice. However, several states regulate or limit their seasonal use due to potential road surface damage.
Studless snow tires rely on advanced rubber compounds and tread engineering rather than metal studs. They are widely accepted and offer strong traction without causing roadway wear.
Snow chains consist of metal chains or cables that wrap around the tire. They significantly increase traction on ice and deep snow. Cable chains are lighter and easier to install, while traditional link chains often provide superior grip in severe conditions.
Some jurisdictions also permit alternative traction devices, such as snow socks or approved tire cables, provided they meet state standards.
The necessity of snow chains or snow tires really depends on where you live and where you do your driving.
Below is the list of snow chain and snow tire laws and recommendations for the states Craig Swapp & Associates serves:
The reality is that snow chains and snow tires make winter driving safer. Every winter season, our accident lawyers take cases involving accidents that were caused by vehicles ill-equipped to handle winter driving. It’s always cheaper to purchase good snow tires or snow chains instead of having to replace a totaled car or covering the injuries and damages caused by an accident.
A common belief is that vehicles with 4-wheel drive capability (4WD) don’t need snow tires or snow chains in order to safely drive on snow and ice. While there is no doubt that 4WD capability is helpful in adverse winter road conditions, studies show that snow chains and snow tires were more effective than 4WD and that 4WD-capable vehicles greatly benefited from the added traction snow chains and snow tires provide.
When in doubt whether you need snow chains or snow tires, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get them. At Craig Swapp & Associates, we are always just a call away if you have questions about winter driving or if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Get in touch with us at 1-866-308-3684 or by filling out the online form.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp