Washington deadline to remove studded tires approaches 

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The deadline to remove studded tires in Washington is before the end of day on Friday, March 31. 

In a news release, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) encouraged all drivers to plan ahead 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,” WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin stated in the release. “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, according to WSDOT. 

For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains, if necessary.

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.