Warmer weather and rising snow levels in the mountains mean studded tires must be off soon.

 

The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to remove their studded tires by midnight, March 31.

Unless WSDOT grants a weather-related extension, studded tires are only legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. With forecasts the rest of the month calling for temperatures well above freezing in most parts of the state, WSDOT does not plan to extend the deadline.

“If you’re heading to the mountains, always check the forecast and keep emergency supplies and tire chains in your vehicle,” said Chris Christopher, WSDOT Maintenance Operations director. “We often see snow on the peaks and near the passes well into May.”

Motorists using studded tires after the deadline could be slapped with a $124 traffic ticket.


 

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