Oregon drivers have two weeks to remove studded tires from their vehicles before the April 1 deadline, according to a March 17 announcement from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The reminder is important because state law only allows the use of studded tires from November 1 through March 31. After this period, law enforcement officers can issue citations with a $165 fine for vehicles still equipped with studded tires.
ODOT encourages motorists not to wait until the last minute to make the switch. “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.”
Drivers who need extra traction after March 31 are advised to use chains or non-studded traction tires, or postpone travel until conditions improve. ODOT also highlights that all-weather tires without studs do not cause more damage than standard tires and provide better traction than studded tires on bare pavement.
For more information about Oregon’s laws regarding traction devices, ODOT directs travelers to its website and recommends checking TripCheck.com for current road conditions.
