Twice-yearly ritual returns: ODOT reminds drivers to get those studded tires off by Sunday, or fines may follow

(Update: adding comment from ODOT and Les Schwab of Bend)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As spring arrives, it's time to remember that studded tires must be removed by Sunday, March 31. ODOT said Tuesday that long-term weather forecasts this year do not support an extension of the studded tire season.

"We encourage everyone to take off their studded tires before March 31, especially if you won't be driving in the mountains," advised Galen McGill, State Maintenance and Operations Engineer.

Driving with studded tires after the deadline can result in a fine. Law enforcement may issue a citation, a Class C traffic violation, with a $165 fine.

While studded tires are okay from November 1 to March 31, ODOT has said for many years that it's better to use other options like traction tires or chains.

ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey said Wednesday, “Driving on bare pavement with studded tires causes millions of dollars in damage to our roads every year. So that's why it's really important that you remove those by the deadline. Keeping them on past the deadline -- law enforcement can issue citations for that.”

 Usually, studded tires are allowed between Nov. 1 and March 31. But, the damage they cause to roads about $8.5 million in damage to state highways each year, according to a 2014 study.

ODOT recommends using traction tires because they're more applicable to different types of road conditions and preserve roads for longer.

"Traction tires usually outperform studded tires in most cases, so studded tires on solid ice, you're going to get a benefit from them there, Davey said. "But most other conditions, traction tires are really going to be a better option."

Prices vary between snow tires and studded tires, depending on the size. Bend Les Schwab Tire CentersManager Steve Curtiss said, "One tire could be as low as $120 up to maybe five or $600 a tire. So it just depends on what they're going on and what they're being used for."

Les Schwab has already started seeing the impact of the seasonal switch, with most appointment slots already filled. Despite this, walk-up appointments are welcomed and encouraged.

"My recommendation is to get here in the morning, drop your car off and just leave it for the day again," Curtiss said. "We'll get it done that day and get your car back to you same day."

Les Schwab expects to be swamped till mid-April and recommends in the future to switch your tires sooner than later, to avoid delays. 

"There's a lot of folks in this town, and there are a lot of folks that run winter tires," Curtiss said. "So this process takes a while. So bear with us -- you know, give us a month or so to get through this craziness and this mad rush of getting these snow tires off." 

Every year, ODOT teams up with forecasters to determine if the deadline needs to be adjusted. If it looks like severe winter weather is going to continue, they will extend that deadline. But this year, the deadline remains Sunday.

"Our crews continue monitoring highways and weather forecasts, working to remove any late season snow or ice," Tuesday's announcement said. Visit TripCheck.com for current conditions.

If winter conditions hit after March 31, they said, switch to traction tires or chains if needed, or consider postponing your travel until conditions improve.