No, studded tires are prohibited in Washington D.C. under the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations, which align with Maryland and Virginia restrictions to protect road surfaces. The District’s traffic code explicitly bans metal studs due to pavement damage concerns, with no exceptions for seasonal use.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Washington D.C.
- DDOT Traffic Code § 50-2201.01 explicitly prohibits the use of studded tires on any vehicle operating within the District’s boundaries, regardless of jurisdiction of registration.
- Penalties for violations include fines up to $250 per offense, enforceable by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) traffic units, with potential vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: DDOT’s 2024-2026 pavement preservation initiative mandates stricter enforcement, including automated license plate readers to identify non-compliant vehicles during winter months.