No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as amended by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2023. The rules explicitly classify studded tires as “unsafe” due to road damage risks, aligning with global best practices. State transport authorities enforce this uniformly, with no exceptions for hilly regions despite winter demands.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in India
- Central Ban: Rule 129 of CMVR, 1989, read with GSR 109(E) dated 2023, bans studded tires for all vehicle categories, including commercial and private vehicles. Violations attract penalties under Section 190 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- State Enforcement: Regional transport offices (RTOs) conduct periodic inspections, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where winter tire demand is high. Non-compliance results in mandatory tire replacement at the owner’s expense.
- Alternative Compliance: MoRTH mandates the use of winter tires with deep treads (minimum 4mm) or snow chains during extreme conditions, as per 2026 draft guidelines. Studded alternatives remain uncertified under AIS-142 standards.