It's been a wet winter but not very cold. Oregon Department of Transportation says studded tires must be removed by Thursday, March 31st.
ODOT can stretch the deadline when necessary but, according to spokesman Dave Thompson, the current forecast doesn't support an extension.
What if we get a surprise spring snow storm? Don't travel or use an alternative form of traction. Thompson says while studded tires are legal, they wreak havoc on Oregon's roads.
Thompson: "Our study in 2014 concluded that studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year. And that's money that could go to paving other things that need it and we have to use it instead to pave the ruts caused by studded tires."
The deadline for tire removal has only been changed 4 times in the last 14 years. Washington State is sticking to their March 31st cutoff as well.
Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles after the deadline can be charged with a Class C traffic violation. Fines start at $140.
