Chain and traction law · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not require chains on passenger cars. In winter storms, PennDOT and the Turnpike restrict some commercial vehicles by tier, and some tiers require chains or approved traction devices. Current chain and traction reports from 511PA appear below, followed by the rules and their official sources.
The storm tier plan is a multi-agency operating plan. No fine for ignoring a tier was found.
Pennsylvania's traveler site. Closures and road conditions are posted there.
Road conditionsClosures and alerts reported through 511PA, on one map.
Live mapChain and traction reports from supported state feeds on one map.
Pennsylvania does not require chains on passenger cars. In winter storms, PennDOT and the Turnpike restrict some commercial vehicles by tier, and some tiers require chains or approved traction devices. Check the official sources linked on this page for the published requirements and penalties. Follow the posted sign and the official source. Some requirements apply even when no sign is up.
Using studs outside the season is a summary offense. The fine is $35 to $55 depending on the month, and $10 for other stud violations between November 1 and April 15.
511PA posts current requirements. The block at the top of this page reads the 511PA feed every five minutes and lists chain and traction reports. If the feed cannot be reached, the page says so.
Your mile marker shows even offline. 511PA alerts on your route, chain rules included, are part of MileCheck Premium and need a connection to update. Runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Monthly Highway Report
Your state's reported closures, crashes and roadwork, once a month by email. See the September report. No spam.
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