Oregon studded tire season extended through April 5

The Trucker News Services

3/28/2008

Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict a slight rise in temperatures statewide beginning late this coming weekend, which may not provide enough time for motorists traveling this weekend to remove their studded tires by April 1. So the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is extending the studded tire season through Saturday, April 5. The Washington State Department of Transportation has made the same decision.

ODOT is not planning to extend the studded tire season past April 5; motorists should plan to remove their studded tires by then. Motorists who are not traveling through the mountains this next week should remove their studded tires early to avoid the rush. Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles in Oregon after April 5 can be charged with a Class C traffic violation, which carries a maximum $145 fine.

ODOT encourages drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains because studded tires cause at least $11 million damage each year on city streets, county roads and state highways. Other types of traction tires are available. These traction tires meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions and carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall showing a three-peaked mountain and snowflake. Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires when used on bare pavement.

Visit www.responsetrack.net/lnk/tripcheck838947/?1460V014UD6 or call 511 for the latest road conditions.