Oregon drivers reminded to remove studded tires by Thursday, March 31—studded tire season won’t be extended, March 25

Plan ahead to allow enough time to meet the deadline. ODOT won’t extend the 2015-16 studded tire season past March 31, 2016. Studded tires are allowed in Oregon from November 1 through March 31 each year. The law allows ODOT to extend the studded tire season when necessary, but current weather forecasts do not support an extension this year. ODOT is making this decision in cooperation with the Washington Department of Transportation, which is also announcing today it will not extend its studded tire season past March 31. (Both states have the same deadline.) “Please don’t wait until the deadline to remove your studded tires,” said Luci Moore, ODOT Maintenance and Operations Engineer, “especially if you aren’t driving in the mountain passes between now and then.” ODOT encourages drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains to help minimize roadway damage caused by studded tires. A 2014 study concluded studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year to state highways. Other types of traction tires are available. These traction tires meet the Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions and carry an emblem on the tire sidewall of a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake in the center. Research shows these tires cause no more damage than standard all-weather radial tires, while providing better traction than studded tires on bare pavement. Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles after the deadline can be charged with a Class C traffic violation.