Chains and traction tires — Oregon Permit Test

Chains and traction tires on the Oregon permit test — 2 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.

The rules

Studded tires are generally allowed only from November 1 through March 31 in Oregon, and because of the damage they cause drivers are encouraged to use alternatives such as chains or other traction tires.

The window is a legal one rather than a weather one — running studs in April is an offense however cold it is.

Studded tires are generally allowed only from November 1 through March 31 in Oregon.

2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual, p.79

Chains include link chains, cable chains or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle, or outside of the tire, specifically designed to increase traction on snow and ice.

The definition matters where a sign requires chains, because a device that does not attach does not satisfy it.

“Chains” include link chains, cable chains or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle, or outside of the tire, specifically designed to increase traction on snow and ice.

2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual, p.79

On the test

When are studded tires generally allowed in Oregon?

November 1 through March 31. The window is a legal one rather than a weather one — running studs in April is an offense however cold it is. 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual, p.79: “Studded tires are generally allowed only from November 1 through March 31 in Oregon.”

How this works

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All Oregon permit topics

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual, published by the Oregon Department of Transportation, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-09-15.