New York Drivers Must Remove Studded Tires by April 30

Failing to do so could result in fines and further damage to already-battered roads.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:18am

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An extreme close-up of the textured surface of a worn, studded tire tread, with the individual metal studs and rubber grooves visible in dramatic lighting, conceptually illustrating the damage these tires can do to roads.Studded tires may provide extra grip in winter, but they can also grind away at pavement long after the snow has melted.NYC Today

New York State law requires drivers to remove studded tires from their vehicles by April 30 each year. Leaving them on past that date can result in fines, and the studded tires also contribute to unnecessary wear and tear on roads that have already taken a beating from a brutal winter.

Why it matters

Roads across New York have suffered significant damage from record snowfall, heavy rain, and powerful winds this past winter. Removing studded tires helps protect the pavement and allows road crews to make necessary repairs without the added wear from the studded tires.

The details

Studded tires, which provide extra traction on icy roads, are allowed in New York from October 16 through April 30. After that date, drivers must switch to regular snow tires or all-season tires. Failing to do so can result in fines. Studded tires can grind into pavement and worsen road conditions long after the snow and ice have melted.

  • New York State law requires studded tires to be removed by April 30 each year.
  • Road construction season is already underway across New York as crews work to repair damage from the brutal winter.

The players

New York State

The state government that has laws regulating the use of studded tires.

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What’s next

Drivers should schedule appointments to have their studded tires removed and replaced with all-season or snow tires before the April 30 deadline to avoid fines.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of following New York's laws around studded tire usage to protect the state's already-damaged roads from further deterioration. Drivers who fail to make the switch by the deadline could face penalties, in addition to contributing to ongoing road maintenance challenges.