No fooling: ODOT reminds Oregon drivers the April 1 studded tire removal deadline is coming up soon

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon drivers now have have two weeks to remove studded tires to meet the Wednesday April 1 deadline. ODOT is encouraging vehicle owners to not wait until the last minute to make the swap. 

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

ODOT says drivers should use other types of traction tires or chains, if extra traction is required after March 31, or postpone travel until conditions improve.

“Spring storms are always possible in Oregon,” said Elizabeth Papadopoulos, ODOT state maintenance and operations engineer. “Our maintenance crews are monitoring the weather and will work to remove any late-season snow or ice from highways as soon as possible.”

When planning for next winter, the agency says drivers can help prevent damage to Oregon’s roads by considering alternatives to studded tires. Research shows all-weather tires without studs do not cause any more damage than standard tires while providing better traction than studded tires on bare pavement.

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

Whenever you travel, you're urged to plan for the weather and visit TripCheck.com for road condition information.