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Studded tires must come off by Friday

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, March 28, 2023

By Herald Staff

Highway 904 north of Cheney shows 15 years of wear caused primarily by studded tires. State agencies continue to try to ban the tires. So far, they've succeeded only in adding a new $5 fee per new studded tire to help address the damage. (WSDOT)
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Highway 904 north of Cheney shows 15 years of wear caused primarily by studded tires. State agencies continue to try to ban the tires. So far, they've succeeded only in adding a new $5 fee per new studded tire to help address the damage. (WSDOT)
Highway 904 north of Cheney shows years of wear caused primarily by studded tires. Studded tires must be removed by Friday. (WSDOT)

EVERETT — Studded tires need to come off by Friday in Washington and Oregon.

Keeping them on can result in a fine of $137.

The studs damage roads that aren’t covered in ice and snow, costing the state between $20 million and $29 million each year, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“We urge motorists to explore all their traction options, including non-stud, winter-tread tires which are different from all-season tires,” WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin said in a news release. “These tires are legal year-round and don’t damage our highways.”

Studded tires are legal for use in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31.

Sometimes the state extends the deadline if there are forecasts for widespread ice and snow. That’s not expected this year.

People traveling across the mountain passes should use traction tires and have chains, according to the WSDOT.

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