No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under the Australian Design Rules (ADR 23/00–23/05) and state road rules, with Tasmania enforcing the strictest penalties. The National Transport Commission’s 2023 review confirmed their incompatibility with road surfaces, citing accelerated pavement damage and safety risks. While no jurisdiction permits their use, Western Australia and South Australia historically tolerated them in extreme alpine conditions—yet this exemption lapsed in 2026 under updated Heavy Vehicle National Law amendments.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in Australia
- Federal Prohibition: ADR 23/05 explicitly bans studded tires for all vehicle classes, aligning with the Road Safety Standards Act 2018 (Cth). Non-compliance voids insurance coverage and attracts fines up to $2,200 in Victoria.
- State-Level Enforcement: Tasmania’s Road Rules 2019 (Rule 295) criminalizes their use, with courts imposing mandatory vehicle inspections post-violation. Queensland’s Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 mirrors this, though enforcement focuses on commercial fleets.
- Alpine Exemptions Terminated: The 2026 repeal of WA’s Road Traffic Code 2000 (Regulation 115) and SA’s Motor Vehicles Regulations 2010 (Schedule 2) eliminated prior seasonal allowances for studded tires in alpine regions, citing ecological damage to alpine flora.