Are studded snow tires legal in Connecticut?

As of 2010, Connecticut state law allows studded tires from November 15 through April 30 only. Connecticut charges drivers who use studs or chains with snow tires at any time except when allowed by law with an infraction the first time, with no fine assessed. A second violation, however, means a fine of up to $200.

What are the dates you can use studded snow tires?

Studded snow tires are permitted in California from November 1 until April 30 each year. During this time, studded tires are permitted in any location within the state.

What states are studded snow tires illegal?

Ten states prohibit studded snow tires: Alabama, Texas, Florida, Maryland (exception five mountain counties), Louisiana, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi and Wisconsin.

Do I need winter tires in CT?

If you live in the northeast, including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, winter tires (or even studded tires) are a must. The reason is simple; the 4-letter word folks here call snow. For that matter, ice, sleet, and freezing rain too.

Are snow tires necessary in Connecticut?

Connecticut drivers can leave regular snow tires—without traction-grabbing studs attached—on their vehicles year-round, although most people only run them during the winter months anyway. A snow tire creates much more noise than a regular radial. The same date restrictions also apply to snow chains placed on tires.

How many seconds should a motorist look ahead?

Every driver needs to be able to see what is in front of him, to the sides, and in the rear. Being able to see everything clearly helps drivers avoid any last-minute maneuvers. This is why it is recommended that drivers look ahead 12 seconds while driving in the city, and 12 to 15 seconds on the highway.

How much does studding tires cost?

When studded, these tires typically trade some noise and ride comfort for extra ice and packed snow traction (studding available for $15 per tire), or represent a low-cost winter tire option when not studded.

Do studded tires help on ice?

Yes. Studs are really only advantageous in icy and hard-packed snow conditions. When winter roads are dry or wet, studs actually decrease traction potential. In these conditions the tire tread compound is the foundation of tire grip.

How much are studded snow tires?

Studded tires for prolonged use in heavy snow and extreme cold have built-in metal teeth that bite into ice, and typically cost $75-$550 or more each.

What is the best tire for snow?

Studded tires are by far the best for snow and ice, but they are louder (particularly at highway speeds) and tend to lower gas mileage. Some are more performance based and what they give up in traction, they make up for in other areas. Keep your driving style in mind when choosing a snow tire.

What states allow studded tires?

– Colorado – Kentucky – New Hampshire – North Carolina – Vermont – Wyoming

Are blizzak tires better than studded tires?

For the majority of test results reviewed for snow, and for ice at lower temperatures, studded tires performed as well as or worse than the Blizzak tire. For those conditions in which studded tires provided better traction than studless tires, the increment usually was small.

When to install studded tires?

You may install studded tires on your vehicle(s) beginning September 15th and must have them removed by April 30th. These dates are subject to change by the Department of Transportation.