HERMISTON, Ore.-Still driving around with the clickety-clack of studded tires? It could cost you come April 1.
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.
“We recommend appointments with the heavy volume we see at this time of year,” said Les Schwab Tire Center in a statement to Northeast Oregon Now. “Setting an appointment is the best way to ensure expedited service.”
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.
Removing studded tires will benefit local roads and your tires, according to both Les Schwab and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
“We encourage drivers to use other types of traction tires or chains to help minimize roadway damage caused by studded tires,” said Galen McGill, ODOT’s State Maintenance and Operations Engineer.
Continuing to drive with studded tires can also damage the tires themselves, leading to greater expenses down the road.
“Studded tires are constructed from a softer rubber compound, which will prematurely wear with the heat of summertime asphalt,” according to Les Schwab’s statement.
According to ODOT, recent research has shown that traction tires work better on bare pavement than studded tires without damaging roads.
No matter what time of year you plan to travel in Oregon be aware of the weather and check TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions.
