No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under NOM-068-SCT-2-2000, enforced by the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT), due to road surface damage risks. Exceptions exist only for emergency vehicles in specific jurisdictions, requiring prior SCT authorization.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Mexico
- Federal Ban: NOM-068-SCT-2-2000 explicitly bans studded tires for all vehicles, citing environmental and infrastructure concerns. Violations incur fines up to 500 days of minimum wage.
- State-Level Exemptions: Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora permit studded tires for heavy-duty trucks during winter months (Dec–Feb), but require SCT-issued permits and visible compliance decals.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The SCT is drafting amendments to NOM-068-SCT-2-2000, proposing stricter enforcement and expanded regional bans, aligning with U.S. EPA standards to reduce particulate emissions.
Local authorities, such as the CDMX Secretaría de Movilidad, reinforce these restrictions through periodic roadside inspections, particularly in high-altitude municipalities like Toluca. Non-compliant vehicles face immediate impoundment. International travelers must declare studded tires upon entry; temporary exemptions are rare and require diplomatic or military justification.