Winter tires provide additional traction for drivers in harsh weather conditions. To prevent unnecessary damage to roads and highways, the Montana Department of Transportation has limited time when you are allowed to have winter tires on your car.
In an effort to protect Montana roads, studded winter tires are permitted only from October 1 to May 31 each year. Legal studs may not stick out more than 1/16 of an inch beyond the rubber tread.
School buses are the only exception to the time frame. Buses are granted an expanded window for studded tires from August 15 through June 15.
A studded tire can be used as a spare in the event of tire failure at any time in Montana.
