Due to the potential for some late-season snow, the Washington State Department of Transportation is extending the deadline to remove studded tires by two weeks.

The deadline for removal is now Sunday, April 15.

Spring may be here, but as we saw Friday in Yakima, the potential of some late season snow is very possible this year. WSDOT made the determination, which means the deadline to remove studded tires in Washington has been extended for two weeks.

State law allows the Washington State Department of Transportation to extend the deadline into April if current or predicted conditions could make for difficult travel.

The decision to extend is made in consultation with meteorologists and maintenance supervisors. The deadline was last extended in 2012.

This year’s decision was based on long-range forecasts that show the potential for significant weather, including snow that could affect cross-state travel into April.

With the extension, all studded tires need to be removed no later than the end of the day (11:59 p.m.) Sunday, April 15. Starting Monday, April 16, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles face a $136 traffic infraction. Removal services can be crowded as the deadline approaches, so please plan accordingly.

Studded tires damage pavement each year – costing an estimated $29 million annually in additional wear and tear on state roads alone.

Long-term, WSDOT continues to urge drivers to investigate alternatives such as studless winter tires, which are not subject to removal deadlines.


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