Date:  Thursday, March 27, 2008

Contact: Chris Christopher, Co-Director Maintenance and Operations, (360) 705-7850
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080

OLYMPIA – The studded tire deadline is extended through April 5.

“The anticipated winter weather for the next few days plus the desire to give drivers time next week to remove studded tires led to this decision,” said Chris Christopher, WSDOT Co-Director for Maintenance and Operations. “We don’t anticipate extending the deadline past April 5."

In a coordinated effort with Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT), the last day to legally use studded tires this season in Washington and Oregon is Saturday, April 5.

“If you live in an area where it is warming up today or don’t plan to travel over the mountains, we encourage you to beat the rush and remove your tires as soon as possible,” Christopher added.

WSDOT officials do advise drivers to carry tire chains and monitor weather forecasts as well as the WSDOT website at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

Washington State Patrol troopers will enforce a $124 fine for those who keep their studded tires on beyond the deadline.

“We encourage people with studded tires to remove them before the deadline. After that, our troopers will enforce the law if they find drivers still using studded tires,” said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste.

WSDOT advises drivers to work with local tire dealers to determine the best type of tire for their anticipated winter driving conditions. WSDOT wants motorists to be aware that a variety of studded tire alternatives are available and that they can continue to use other approved traction tires. WSDOT lists alternatives to studded tires and the damage studded tires do to state highways on its web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.

Also, starting April 1, vehicles or combination of vehicles over 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) will not have to carry sufficient tire chains to meet the Washington State law. These vehicles are required to carry chains from Nov. 1 – March. 31.

“As with passenger cars, we encourage these trucks to continue to carry chains if they are traveling over the mountains,” Christopher said. “Safety is very important and all drivers are encouraged to check the conditions and know before they go.”

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WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office. Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

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