Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31
OLYMPIA – Spring is here, and with it – the deadline to remove studded tires before the end of day Friday, March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation encourages all drivers 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, April 1.
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.
“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.”
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. For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains, if necessary.
Real-time road conditions are available before heading out. Travelers are encouraged to stay up to date on changes by using WSDOT’s social media and email alert tools.
Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have different studded tire removal dates, but the Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors.
More information about studded tire regulations in Washington is available online.
Also read:
- Opinion: Let’s eliminate light rail and tolling from the I-5 Bridge replacement at the same timeEditor Ken Vance shares changes to elements of the proposed project that he believes many Southwest Washington residents would support.
- King’s Way Christian football: The new Rule is all about Knight VisionAfter decades as an assistant football coach in Oregon and then at Camas, Dale Rule is taking over as the head coach at Vancouver’s King’s Way Christian
- Seton Catholic football: Dan Chase called to return to coaching and teachingA vice principal at the Seton Catholic, former football coach Dan Chase is returning to the field, and the classroom, in order to develop a stronger program
- Former criminals deemed ‘marginalized’ under Washington state worker trainingThe interview panel for new Washington state employees must undergo anti-bias training and the job candidate will be subject to questions regarding anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Opinion: State salary report shows running a school district is often the best job in townLiv Finne of the Washington Policy Center believes that it’s important for the public to be informed about how much school leaders are paid and how effective the system is at educating children. Washington State Fiscal Information
- Letter: ‘The process for restoring an effective representative form of government is now about the healthy functioning of citizens’ minds on important matters’Matt Garland states that Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is misusing federal funds by using taxpayer dollars to pay for her campaign mailers and that her town halls are really not public outreach town halls.
- Expect daytime delays on northbound I-5 in Vancouver for drainage work, June 5-8Possible delays expected on northbound Interstate 5 in Vancouver next week as Washington State Department of Transportation installs catch basins to prevent pooling and improve safety during heavy rainstorms.