SALEM, Ore.-Drivers in Oregon have two weeks to remove studded snow tires before April 1.
After a mild winter, warm spring weather is here, and some drivers may be gearing up for spring break road trips, but the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is encouraging drivers to not wait until the last minute to change their tires.
“Spring storms are always possible in Oregon,” said Elizabeth Papadopoulos, ODOT state maintenance and operations engineer. “Our maintenance crews are monitoring the weather and will work to remove any late-season snow or ice from highways as soon as possible.”
By law studded tires are allowed on Oregon’s roads from Nov. 1 through March 31. Law enforcement can start issuing $165 tickets to drivers with studded tires on April 1.
The process of changing out your car’s studded tires should only take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the shop is, with most tire shops recommending you make an appointment.
Removing studded tires by the April 1 deadline can benefit roads and your wallet by reducing wear-and-tear on your studded tires.
According to a 2014 report, studded tires are responsible for about $8.5 million in damages to State Highways each year in Oregon, and recent research has shown that traction tires work better on bare pavement than studded tires without damaging roads.
While studded tires can help in the ice and snow, they are also constructed of a softer rubber compound that can wear out faster if driven during warmer months.
Current road condition information for Oregon’s roads is always available at TripCheck.com.
