Are studded tires legal in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
Not for most drivers. Wis. Stat. 347.45 limits studded tires to authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, mail-delivery vehicles and out-of-state automobiles passing through for 30 days or less, and only from November 15 through April 1. Tire chains are allowed when conditions require them.
The details
The details:
- Who: emergency vehicles, school buses, vehicles delivering mail, and out-of-state-registered automobiles passing through for 30 days or less.
- When: November 15 through April 1, inclusive (Trans 306.01).
- How far: studs can't project more than 1/8 inch beyond the tread.
- Chains: chains of reasonable proportions are allowed on any vehicle when needed for snow or ice.
For most Barron-area drivers, a studless winter tire with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol is the legal choice. Our winter tire guide covers what to look for.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
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- Swant Graber Detail Center
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- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Can I put studded tires on my pickup in Wisconsin?
Not on a typical Wisconsin-registered pickup. The statute limits studs to specific vehicle types.
Are tire chains legal in Wisconsin?
Yes, chains of reasonable proportions are allowed when needed for snow, ice or other slippery conditions.
What dates are studded tires allowed?
For the vehicles that may use them, November 15 through April 1, per Trans 306.01.
Get it looked at in Barron
Book with the service department at either store on Highway 8. Service is open Monday to Friday; ask about a loaner when you book.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- Wis. Stat. 347.45: Tires: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov
- Wis. Admin. Code Trans 306.01: Studded tires, dates of use: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov