Studded tire removal deadline Sunday

OLYMPIA — According to a March 21 reminder from the Washington State Department of Transportation, studded tires must be removed by the end of the day Sunday to avoid a potential fine of $137. 

"We know that studded tires cause between $20 million to $29 million in damage to state-owned roads in Washington each winter and also damage city and county roads," WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin said. "We urge travelers to explore all their traction options, including non-stud, winter-tread tires which are different from all-season tires. These tires are legal year-round and don't damage our highways."

The statement said the removal date falls on a holiday this year, which could mean some shops are closed, so WSDOT urges travelers to plan ahead now. Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. There is no individual exception or out-of-state waiver to the studded tire dates. The announcement said tickets could be issued by the Washington State Patrol as soon as Monday, April 1. WSDOT does not issue tickets.

State law gives WSDOT the authority to extend the deadline when circumstances call for it, most commonly when a forecast indicates widespread snow and ice. While late-season storms are possible in the mountain passes, there are no forecasted statewide conditions that would call for an extension to the deadline this year, the statement said.

For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains to have handy if necessary, the announcement said. WSDOT crews will also monitor weather conditions and respond quickly to any scattered spring snow to keep travelers moving.

The statement said the deadline for Oregon is the same as Washington and applies to all drivers, even those from out of state. 

For more information about studded tire regulations in Washington, visit bit.ly/StuddedTireRegulations.