No, studded tires are prohibited statewide in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.1, with no exceptions for commercial or emergency vehicles. The law aligns with the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) 2023-2026 Winter Operations Plan, which prioritizes road preservation over studded tire allowances. Violations incur fines up to $200, per N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.2.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in New Jersey
- Statewide Ban: N.J.S.A. 39:3-76.1 explicitly outlaws studded tires on all vehicles, including out-of-state registrations.
- Enforcement by NJDOT: Local police and NJDOT inspectors enforce the ban, particularly during winter road maintenance cycles.
- Penalties: Fines range from $50 to $200 per violation, with no discretionary exemptions for seasonal use.
Local municipalities lack authority to override the state statute, as confirmed by NJDOT’s 2024 Circular on Winter Tire Regulations. The ban reflects environmental and infrastructure concerns, as studded tires accelerate pavement deterioration by up to 500%, per NJDOT’s 2023 Pavement Preservation Report. No temporary waivers or pilot programs are currently under consideration for 2026 compliance cycles.