A familiar ODOT reminder: Studded tire removal deadline is coming up next Monday

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The deadline to remove studded tires is fast approaching. ODOT encourages drivers to not wait until the last minute, especially if they aren’t driving over mountain passes. 

The law allows studded tires to be used in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31. Beginning Tuesday, April 1, law enforcement officers can issue citations with a $165 fine to drivers with studded tires on their vehicles.  

ODOT says its maintenance crews continue to monitor weather forecasts and work to remove late-season snow or ice from highways as soon as possible.

After March 31, be sure to use other types of traction tires or chains when extra traction is required or postpone travel until conditions improve. Whenever you travel, plan for the weather and visit TripCheck.com for road condition information.  

Looking ahead to next winter, drivers can help prevent added wear and tear to Oregon’s roads by considering alternatives to studded tires.  

“We encourage drivers to use other types of traction tires or chains to help minimize roadway damage caused by studded tires,” said Galen McGill, ODOT’s state maintenance and operations engineer.  

ODOT says research shows traction tires provide better traction than studded tires on bare pavement and do not cause any more damage than standard tires.

For more information on Oregon’s law regarding traction tires and chains, visit ODOT's website: Oregon Chain Law.