October First Marks Montana’s Studded Tire Season For Winter Drivers

As drivers here in Butte and across Montana get ready for another winter, it's worth knowing that the rules for studded tires and chains are more specific than simply "put snow tires on when it snows."

For most vehicles, Montana allows studded winter tires from October 1st through May 31st.  One studded tire may also be used as a spare if a tire fails.  School buses have a longer window for usage with studded tires being permitted from August 15th through June 15th.

For the average driver, that means that October 1st is the key date to rememeber if studded tires are a part of your winter setup.  the Montana Department of Transportation also recommends not waiting until the last minute to have winter tires installed and making sure that all four tires are in good working condition.

Chains, however, are a different matter.  The Montana Department of Transportation can require chains or approved traction equipment at any time of the year when dangerous conditions exist in designated areas.  Drivers will see signs marking chain-up areas, including signs with flashing beacons or signs that flip open when chains are required. This is of particular importance for anyone traveling mountain passes, such as Homestake Pass, where chain requirements can be activated when conditions are warranted.

For larger vehicles, additional requirements apply.  From October 1st through April 30th, motor trucks weighing 26,001 pounds or more and towing a trailer must carry chains or an approved traction device when travelling in areas where chains may be required.  Four-wheel drive vehicles are exempt from that carrying requirement.

Before heading over a pass this winter, checking Montana 511 for current road conditions and chain requirements can save drivers a lot of trouble.