Deadline to remove studded tires nears
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM & OLYMPIA — Drivers in Oregon and Washington must remove studded tires from their vehicles by this Friday.
In Oregon, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles after that date may receive a citation from law enforcement for a Class C traffic violation, which carries a presumptive fine of $165.
In Washington, drivers are encouraged by the Washington State Department of Transportation to plan ahead now to avoid a potential fine of $137, which could be issued by the Washington State Patrol starting as soon as Saturday. After Friday, drivers are urged to use other types of traction tires or chains if needed or postpone travel until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the other border states are a little more lenient. Studded tires don’t have to come off of vehicles in Idaho, Nevada, or California until April 30.
The Oregon Department of Transportation says that a 2014 study showed that studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage to state highways each year.
