Washington lawmakers eye studded tire ban
Washington state lawmakers are pushing bills to both the House and the Senate in hopes of phasing out studded winter tires. Leaders say banning the studded tires could save the state millions annually on road maintenance.
A member of the Washington State Transportation Commission from Spokane says opposition to studded tires is gaining traction.
Joe Tortorelli says he supports a call to phase out studs to save millions on highway and street maintenance.
Tortorelli told The Spokesman-Review ending the use of studded tires is part of the commission’s 20-year plan.
Also, bills in the Washington Legislature propose that drivers who use studded tires pay a permit that could cost $100 a year. The money would help pay for roadway ruts caused by studs.
Studded tires are legal in Washington state from Nov. 1 to March 31.
Officials say newer types of snow tires provide superior traction and safety without studs.
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Website says the state of Oregon spends more than $11 million a year fixing roads damaged by studded tires. Studded tires are permitted in Oregon from November 1 through March 31.
ODOT encourages alternatives such as non-studded traction tires – or studless tires – and chains. There have been opposition groups formed to fight the use of studded tires in Oregon in the past, but so far the state still permits the use during designated months.
Watch the video to see what a Deschutes County roads official and a Bend tire dealer have to say about the seemingly eternal studded tire debate.
If Washington state begins to phase out the studded tires, then drivers would be required to pay a usage permit, and a violation would carry a heavier fine.
