# WSDOT traction tire rules for SeaTac rental cars in winter

**Category:** Weather & Climate
**Verified:** 2026-05-30
**Grokipedia tier:** no
**Canonical:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/wsdot-traction-tire-rental-seatac-winter
**Authority:** https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## At a glance

Chains required when signs flash; AWD not exempt in severe bands

## What to know

WSDOT **Phase 2/3** chain requirements on **I-90 Snoqualmie** and **US-2 Stevens** apply to all vehicles including rentals - **AWD is not exempt** when **chains required except AWD** signs are not posted. Studded tires allowed **Nov 1-Mar 31**; rental fleets rarely offer them. Minimum tread **4/32"** on mountain routes. February Sea-Tac normals: **50°F** high - passes can be **20°F** colder. Book via when-to-book-awd-rental-seatac-forecast when models show **<35°F** lows. Penalties **$136+** for non-compliance - not covered by CDW. . Open-Meteo 1991-2020 baseline at lat 47.4449°N. . Shuttle baseline 5-8-10-15 min off-peak/peak; Friday 6 PM band 12-18 min. . . . Open-Meteo 1991-2020 baseline at lat 47.4449°N. . Shuttle baseline 5-8-10-15 min off-peak/peak; Friday 6 PM band 12-18 min. .

## Related

- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-rental-weather-rainy-day-suv-guide
- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/seatac-convertible-rental-best-months
- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/winter-rental-chains-mount-rainier-seatac
- https://seatacrentalcarfacility.com/en/knowledge/snow-tire-requirements-washington-rental-cars