The deadline to remove studded tires is Friday, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation, or face potential a fine of $137.
Fines could be issued by the Washington State Patrol as soon as Saturday.
“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,” said WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin. “We urge motorists 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.”
Studded tires are legal on Washington roads from Nov. 1 to Mar. 31. There are no exceptions or “out of state” waivers.
With heavy snow in the mountain passes this weekend, KIRO 7 asked WSDOT if they’re planning on extending the deadline.
“We work very closely with the National Weather Service on the forecasted data, however we are not extending the studded tire deadline this year,” said Tina Werner of WSDOT. “The reason being is we would only issue an extension if there was forecasted widespread snow and ice concern, and so at this point it’s not a statewide snow and ice concern.”
Since the weather is not a statewide snow and ice event, and is more region-specific, WSDOT suggests other options when it comes to mountain pass travel.
“Consider other types of all-terrain type wheels,” Werner said. “Obviously, if there is going to be chain requirements we ask that drivers follow them, there are other types of traction options that could be considered like non-stud winter tread tires and those are separate from studded tires, and those don’t damage our roadways.”