Ohio winters can be treacherous, turning daily commutes into white-knuckle adventures. Every winter, nearly 13,000 crashes occur on snow, ice, or slush-covered roads in the state.
Studded snow tires sound like the perfect winter hack for extra grip — until you realize Ohio has some pretty specific rules about them. Use them at the wrong time, and you might end up with a ticket and fines.
In this guide, we’ll clear up any confusion and make sure you’re equipped with everything you need to stay safe and legal on the road this winter.
Ohio’s Studded Snow Tire Laws: When Can You Use Them?
Ohio has specific studded snow tire laws that permit them only between November 1st and April 15th. Using them outside this period is prohibited due to the potential damage they can cause to road surfaces.
If you’re caught driving with studded tires outside the legal timeframe, you could be charged with a minor misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of up to $150. That said, some municipalities may impose different penalties. For example, in Westerville, Ohio, fines for violating the studded tire ordinance range from $100 to $500.
Studded Tires and Accident Liability in Ohio
Not everyone who puts studded tires on their car knows how to use them properly. While they can help in icy conditions, they also come with risks — especially when drivers use them on dry roads, assume they’re invincible, or just drive recklessly.
If you were in a winter car accident with someone using studded tires, you might be wondering: Did their tires play a role in the crash? And can they be held responsible?
How studded tires can contribute to an accident
While studded tires are designed to grip ice, they can work against a driver on dry pavement. The metal studs reduce traction, which can lead to:
- Longer stopping distances: If the driver who hit you slammed on the brakes, their stopping distance was probably worse than it would’ve been with regular tires.
- Skidding or loss of control: On clear or wet roads, studs don’t grip, they slide. If the other driver fishtailed into your lane or couldn’t steer properly, their tires may have played a role.
- Reckless overconfidence: Some drivers think studded tires make them immune to winter accidents, so they drive faster, follow too closely, or take risks they wouldn’t with normal tires. That overconfidence can be dangerous, especially for everyone else on the road.
If the driver who hit you was using studded tires when they weren’t necessary, there’s a real chance their tires contributed to the crash — which means they could be held responsible.
Learn more about how to prove negligence in bad-weather driving accidents in Ohio.
The Bottom Line
Studded tires aren’t an excuse for reckless driving, and they don’t magically eliminate winter road dangers. If someone else’s bad decisions put you in harm’s way, you don’t have to deal with the consequences alone.
At Slater & Zurz, we know Ohio’s winter driving laws inside and out. If you were injured in an accident and think the other driver’s tires played a role, you may have a case. Call us today for a free consultation at 330-762-0700.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio’s Studded Snow Tire Laws
Are retractable studded tires legal year-round in Ohio?
Yes. Retractable studded tires are allowed at any time, as long as the studs are fully retracted outside of the November 1st to April 15th window.
Can I use tire chains in Ohio?
Yes, but only when there is snow or ice on the road or in the immediate area. Unlike studded tires, tire chains have no specific seasonal restrictions, but using them on dry pavement could still be considered unsafe or damaging.
Can I use studded tires on my motorcycle in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio allows motorcycles to use studded tires, but they must still be removed by April 15th, like all other vehicles.
Are there any roads or areas where I cannot drive with studded tires in Ohio?
Generally, studded tires are allowed on all public roads in Ohio during the legal timeframe. However, it’s always a smart move to check with local authorities or pay attention to any posted signage if you have any doubts about specific roads or areas.
Can I use studded tires outside of the November 1st to April 15th timeframe if it snows unexpectedly?
Unfortunately, even if a surprise snowstorm hits in October or May, Ohio law strictly prohibits studded tires outside the legal timeframe.
Do I need to change all four tires to studded tires or just the two drive tires?
While technically, you could get away with just putting studded tires on your drive wheels, for optimal safety and performance, it’s strongly recommended to install them on all four wheels. That’s because mismatched traction can cause instability, especially in slippery conditions. Plus, having mismatched tires can put extra strain on your vehicle’s drivetrain.
