Oregon’s studded tire season starts Thursday
The studded tire season in Oregon begins Thursday and runs through March 31, 2019, the Oregon Department of Transportation said Wednesday — but as it always does, the agency urged people to consider and use other alternatives for safe winter driving.
As it has for years, ODOT encouraged drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains.
“If you must travel when weather conditions present difficulties, use other types of traction tires or chains, or postpone your travel until conditions change for the better,” the agency said.
ODOT’s latest study (done in 2014) concluded that studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year on state highways.
Alternatives to studded tires
Chains: Link chains, cable chains or other devices that attach to the wheel, vehicle, or outside of the tire that are specifically designed to increase traction on snow and ice. Drivers should note that link chains may not be recommended for use on some types of vehicles; check your owner’s manual. Other traction tires: 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. They work about as well as studded tires on ice, but work better than studded tires or regular tires in most other winter conditions. And they cause no more damage to road surfaces than regular tires.
Know before you go: Please visit www.TripCheck.com or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ODOT provides bad-weather driving tips and how-to videos online: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/pages/winterdriving.aspx.
Oregon’s Sno-Park program, which also begins Thursday, helps provide snow removal at about 100 winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) across the state. Sno-Parks exist in most of Oregon’s mountain passes and in most ski, snowmobile and snow play areas. A list of areas designated as Sno-Parks is available at www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center.”
If you park in a Sno-Park between November 1 and April 30, you need a valid Sno-Park permit displayed near the lower left corner of your vehicle’s windshield.
There are three types of permits: a $25 seasonal permit, a $9 three-day permit good for three consecutive days, and a $4 daily permit. All DMV offices and permit agents at winter resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets sell these permits. Private agents can charge an additional service fee. A list of permit agents is available at www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center.” To become a Sno-Park permit sales agent contact DMV, Vehicle Mail at 503-945-7949.
The seasonal permit also is available by mail from DMV. Send a written request with your return address, phone number, and a check or money order to DMV, Vehicle Mail No. 1, 1905 Lana Avenue, Salem Oregon 97314.
You can use California and Idaho Sno-Park permits in Oregon. You can use Oregon Sno-Park permits in California and Idaho.
Parking in an Oregon Sno-Park without a permit may result in a fine, so be sure to obtain a permit and display it on your vehicle.
