No, studded tires are prohibited statewide in Tennessee under T.C.A. § 55-9-403, with no seasonal exceptions. The Tennessee Department of Transportation enforces this ban year-round due to road damage risks, and local jurisdictions like Nashville Metro and Shelby County align with state policy. Violations may result in fines up to $50 under municipal ordinances.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Tennessee
- Statewide Ban: T.C.A. § 55-9-403 explicitly prohibits metal-studded tires on all public roads, with no winter exemptions.
- Local Enforcement: Cities such as Nashville and Memphis may impose additional penalties, including vehicle impoundment for repeat offenses.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The Tennessee Department of Transportation is evaluating stricter enforcement protocols, including automated license plate readers to detect violations during roadside inspections.
Local authorities may issue warnings for first-time offenders, but persistent non-compliance risks escalating to misdemeanor charges under T.C.A. § 55-8-104. Alternative traction devices, such as chains or snow tires without studs, remain compliant. Operators should verify county-specific ordinances, as some rural areas may tolerate studded tires on private property adjacent to public roads.