At 4:55 PM -0700 7/26/03, Jim Arnott wrote:
>Uhhhh, not quite. See <http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html> which
>states:
>
>I have studded tires installed on my vehicle. Are they legal in
>California? When?
>
>The California Vehicle Code [Section 27454 (e)], permits studded tires
>to be used on vehicles between November 1 and April 30 of each year. The
>number of studs or the percentage of metal in contact with the roadway
>cannot exceed three percent of the total tire area in contact with the
>roadway.
>

        My apologies! The studded tire issue was on-again-off-again
        when I was paying attention to it. I'd forgotten the latest
        legalization ...

        Note that studs are, however, NOT a replacement for chains.
        From the same URL:

        "R" ratings on snowy roads indicate chain requirements for
        various conditions.     Some vehicles may not be required to use
        chains under all conditions, but all vehicles must carry chains.
        Most vehicles come equipped with snow tires. Look for M+S
        (mud and snow), All Season, or All Terrain, on the side of the
        tire.

        R-1   chains required except for vehicles with snow tires (chains
              required for any vehicle pulling a trailer)

        R-2   chains required except for 4-wheel drive with snow tires

        R-3   chains required for all vehicles

        An EV would require chains under R-2 and R-3